This Mars-Like Landscape 4 Hours From L.A. Is One Of The Best Places For Stargazing In America — Thanks To Its Unique Geography

The wind whips through your hair and hums in your ears, the heat presses against your skin, and the sound of your footsteps on the dry, cracked ground is all you can hear for hours under the blinding midday sun. But when night falls, this otherworldly place transforms into a dazzling light show that brings you closer to the Milky Way, almost no gear required. Besides its several impressive records (like being the lowest point in North America and once the hottest place on Earth), Death Valley is one of the best places for stargazing according to the travel publication *Lonely Planet.*Thanks to its isolated location and natural bowl-like shape, the park experiences virtually no light pollution. Combine that with its dry air and consistently clear skies, and you get near-perfect conditions for viewing the stars. On moonless nights, the Milky Way appears so intensely bright that it can actually cast shadows on the desert floor, an awe-inspiring phenomenon found in very few places on Earth. The best months for stargazing in Death Valley are from November to March, when temperatures are milder and the skies are clearest. October and April can also offer good conditions, though temperatures start to rise. It’s best to avoid visiting between May and September, especially during the summer, when extreme heat (even at night) can make the experience uncomfortable or even dangerous. To make the most of your stargazing experience, the *National Park Service* recommends visiting during the new moon, when the sky is darkest and the stars shine their brightest. Once you arrive, let your eyes adjust, give yourself at least 30 minutes without bright light to fully take in the night sky. To help with that, use a red flashlight or cover a regular one with red cellophane to preserve your night vision. Avoid developed areas to escape any lingering light pollution, and choose a high, open spot rather than a valley floor (mountains like those around Badwater Basin can block part of the horizon). To make the most out of your stargazing session, you could use a basic pair of binoculars, and for an even better experience, a telescope will do the trick. Before heading out, check a night sky almanac to know what constellations, [planets,](https://secretlosangeles.com/moon-and-mars-conjunction-visible-la/) or meteor showers might be on display. Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/death-valley-best-place-stargazing-in-the-us/