Stargazing in the Atacama Desert completely blew me away! Known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, the Atacama is one of the world’s top spots for seeing the stars. I joined a tour to experience it firsthand, and from stunning constellations to glimpses of Saturn, it was an incredible night.
The Rundown
Around 9 p.m., we met at our designated pickup spot and piled into a van for a 20-30 minute drive deep into the desert, leaving civilization behind. The drive out was crucial to escape light pollution from nearby towns, allowing us to fully appreciate the stars in one of the best stargazing spots on Earth.
When we first arrived, I glanced up and thought, "Okay, cool, some stars." But as the night went on, the stars brightened, filling the sky in a way I had never seen before!
The night began with an introduction to stargazing and an explanation of why the Atacama Desert is such an ideal location for it. With its high altitude, minimal light pollution, and dry climate, the Atacama boasts some of the clearest skies in the world. In fact, it's considered one of the most important places for astronomical research. Researchers study everything from the formation of stars and galaxies to the possibility of life in the universe, all using the pristine skies of the Atacama.
As we listened, we learned about the compositions of stars, their colors, and the fascinating ways they form and evolve. Some stars glow red, indicating cooler temperatures, while others shine blue or white, revealing intense heat. And, of course, no stargazing tour is complete without a sprinkle of mythology and even some UFO lore! The explanations were given in both Spanish and English, so no one missed a beat.
Then came the hands-on part. We split into two groups to get some telescope time in which we got to meet some of the sky’s most famous residents: Mars and Saturn! We also took a closer look at a few of the stars we’d been discussing, highlighting the entire experience. Meanwhile, the other group lined up for individual photos with the dazzling star-filled background.
The evening wrapped up with refreshments, drinks (not kosher), and a cozy bonfire. Before long, we were driven back to our lodgings, arriving just after midnight—a quick stop in bed before our early morning geyser adventure!
PRO TIP: If you’re planning to take your own photos, bring a tripod and a remote for your camera. A stable setup with an extended shutter speed will give you those epic star shots! And, try to snap your photos before the bonfire gets going—the firelight interferes with night shots, making it harder to capture the stars.
This experience in the Atacama was truly magical, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Chile. Under the starry sky, the vast desert transforms into something spectacular.
