Book a stay at the New Mexico Skies inn, high in the Sacramento Mountains, and you’ll encounter some unusual rules. You’ll need to check in before sundown and not drive out after dark. White lights — like conventional flashlights — aren’t allowed. And you’ll have to go without daily housekeeping services; vacuuming and dusting might disturb other guests’ daytime sleep. At this secluded mountain hideaway dedicated to the pursuit of amateur astronomy, every measure is taken to protect the property’s most treasured commodity: darkness.
With its high altitude, arid climate, and low population density (which translates to minimal light pollution), New Mexico offers some of the clearest nighttime views of the stars, moon, and planets. But it’s just one of many destinations around the world that cater to celestial enthusiasts — and where the nighttime views rival those in the daytime.
Many of these destinations — like Hawaii, northern Chile and Sweden — offer the same optimal, high-and-dry viewing conditions as New Mexico does. But surprisingly, even America’s second-largest (and perhaps smoggiest) city, Los Angeles, is a mecca for astronomy buffs. The reason: the city’s iconic Griffith Observatory, with its 12-inch refracting telescope that’s powerful enough to look past the glare of terrestrial lights and pollution.
