When we dream about stargazing, we often picture a quiet place far from city lights, with stars blanketing the sky. That dream becomes real in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
Located in northern Chile, this desert is one of the driest places on Earth—and also one of the best for observing the universe. With clear skies for more than 300 nights a year and almost no light pollution, it offers one of the clearest views of the night sky anywhere on the planet.
Where to Start Your Astronomy Tour
Most astronomy tours in the Atacama Desert begin in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, a cozy desert town surrounded by volcanoes and salt flats. From here, we can join local guided tours that take us into the desert at night. These tours usually provide high-powered telescopes, astronomy talks, and even warm blankets to help us enjoy the chilly desert nights comfortably.
What Will We See?
We can expect to see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, bright constellations, shooting stars, and even planets like Saturn and Jupiter with their rings and moons. The sky is so clear that we can see star clusters and galaxies with just our eyes. It feels like we’ve stepped into a space movie, only this time it's real—and we’re part of it.
Visiting Top Observatories
While many observatories are used strictly for research, some allow visitors. One of the best-known is the ALMA Observatory (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array), a global science project with dozens of radio antennas. Although we can’t use their giant telescopes, guided visits (usually during the day and by reservation) let us see the technology behind modern astronomy. There are also smaller local observatories, like San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE), which specialize in public stargazing experiences.
Best Time to Visit the Atacama for Stargazing
We should plan our trip during the dry season from March to November, when skies are clearest and temperatures are mild at night. It’s also best to avoid full moon nights, as the brightness can wash out fainter stars. Many tour companies align their schedules with the moon phases, so we get the best view possible.
How to Get There and What to Prepare
The easiest way to reach San Pedro de Atacama is by flying into Calama Airport (CJC) and then taking a 1.5-hour drive into town. From there, we can book astronomy tours easily through hotels or local agencies. It’s important to pack warm clothes (desert nights get cold), comfortable shoes, and a good camera if we want to try astrophotography.
Practical Tips for Lykkers
- Book your astronomy tour early, especially during peak season (June–September).
- Bring snacks and water, as tours can last several hours.
- Acclimate to the altitude; San Pedro is about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level.
- Don’t forget your curiosity—the universe is more exciting when we keep asking questions!
What Makes This Experience So Special?
We’re not just looking at stars—we’re connecting with something much greater. In the Atacama, we feel like explorers of space from the comfort of Earth. There’s something humbling and magical about standing under a sky full of ancient light, knowing that some of those stars might have died long ago, but their glow still reaches us.
Let’s Meet Under the Stars
So, Lykkers, are you ready to look up and feel the universe staring back? Some of us may already love the stars, while others might be seeing them like this for the first time—but that’s the beauty of it. The Atacama Desert offers a moment we can all share: silent, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable.
Let’s head out together into the cool night, listen to the hush of the desert, and let the sky slowly unfold its secrets above us.
Who’s that one person you’d love to bring along to gaze at the stars by your side?
