Embrace clear nighttime views, astronomy walks and celestial-friendly activities.

Whether it's the spate of sci-fi movies or the upcoming total solar eclipse, interest in space travel and astro tourism is sky high. Travelers should keep in mind that stargazing is dependent on weather and, often, research facilities that are unsure of funding. However, thanks to nonprofit groups like the International Dark-Sky Association, a growing number of areas are fighting light pollution to conserve our natural nighttime environment. With that in mind, here are 10 places where sky-watchers can discover sublime celestial observations beneath a star-speckled sky.

Big Bend National Park

Texas

Because Big Bend has the least light pollution among national parks in the lower 48 states, visitors can see up to 2,000 stars in the Milky Way. This spring's Some Endangered Evening programs are at Chisos Basin Amphitheater, and last summer's weekly telescope and laser programs explored ancient star navigation at Rio Grande Village. Schedules are tentative, so come prepared with your own star charts. You can access printouts at Space.com, CloudyNights.com or Skymaps.com or utilize tools such as Google's Sky Map and binoculars.

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Utah

In March, Cedar Breaks became the 16th designated International Dark Sky Park for its protection of natural darkness and many public programs. From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, you can enjoy free star parties at Point Supreme Overlook. With a 10,350-foot altitude, on a clear night you may see the moon's craters and mountain ranges as well as the rings of Saturn, Jupiter's Galilean moons, star clusters and more. And in inclement weather, astronomy presentations move indoors. What's more, winter night sky events are planned at nearby Brian Head.

Dinosaur National Monument

Colorado and Utah

If you're a dinosaur enthusiast, head to this scenic area, situated along the Colorado-Utah border, near the Yampa and Green rivers. Today, visitors can hike or raft from the Canyon Visitors Center in Dinosaur, Colorado; then, stop at the Quarry Visitor Center in Jensen, Utah, to admire its famous wall of dinosaur fossils and participate in its Stargazing with Telescopes program. Rangers and amateur astronomers lead 20- to 60-minute sessions devoted to the planets, nebulae, star clusters and other sky objects for ages 5 and older. Sky tours take place at 4,800 feet Wednesday and Saturday nights from July to September, with full-moon walks and a solar eclipse viewing planned.

Palm Springs

California

Greater Palm Springs' desert environment is ideal for stargazing. In the heat of summer, you'll see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. In August, you can catch sight of Venus, and in winter and spring, you can view the Orion Nebula, Sirius and the Andromeda Galaxy. At nearly 5,000 feet, Joshua Tree National Park holds the annual Night Sky Festival in the fall. Meanwhile, Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center in 29 Palms teaches basics frequently, with adult astronomy camps from April to June. Plus, Rancho Mirage Observatory opens its outdoor viewing deck and telescope in a 22.5-foot rotating dome this autumn. Until then, check into the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage where an 11-inch computerized telescope magnifies stars.

Haleakala Observatory

Maui, Hawaii

Above Maui's beaches and the tropical inversion layer, the Haleakala Observatory, an astrophysical complex, studies stars and man-made space such as satellites. Visitors cannot enter, but national park rangers guide day tours, and private companies offer sunset tours for star-chasers. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa puts on three Tours of the Stars for $25 nightly. Plus, the Hyatt's sophisticated rooftop observatory includes reflectors, binoculars and the 14-inch Edge telescope, which guests use after practicing with the naked eye and astronomy binoculars. The resort's director of astronomy, Eddie Mahoney, is renowned for his ability to describe each star, constellation and planet while recounting Hawaiian wayfaring lore.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Hilo, Hawaii

An arid climate, the world's tallest mountain at a staggering 33,000 feet from the sea floor and strictly enforced low-light ordinances make Mauna Kea's 12 observatories among the best for deep space exploration. The University of Hawaii runs free evening telescope demonstrations, but most travelers prefer to summit at sunrise or sunset. On Hawaii Forest & Trail tours ($215 for participants ages 16 and older), a knowledgeable guide explains submillimeter, infrared and optical research and sets up a telescope to share the heavenly view. On May 6, the designated AstroDay in Hilo, see the discoveries being made on Mauna Kea.

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