Rethinking Stargazing & Dark Sky Tourism

Megan Eaves, a travel journalist and dark sky tourism expert, shares her journey of growing up beneath the starry skies of the southwestern United States and her advocacy for nocturnal travel in light-polluted urban environments. Living in London, she felt a profound longing for the night sky, which led her to delve into dark sky tourism with Dark Sky International.

Megan emphasizes the distinction between dark sky tourism and astrotourism, describing her vision of inclusive nocturnal experiences that celebrate both the sky and the wildlife that thrives after dark. In a captivating podcast discussion, the speakers explore the rising trend of astrotourism, particularly during the pandemic, noting its popularity in places like China. One speaker reflects on their childhood experiences of witnessing the Northern Lights, highlighting how current peak solar activity has contributed to an increase in aurora sightings.

The conversation shifts to the speaker’s upcoming book, “Nightfaring,” which examines humanity’s relationship with darkness in the face of growing light pollution, drawing on years of global travel and research into our historical connection with the night sky. In a recent podcast, a speaker shared their journey exploring darkness and the night sky, emphasizing how these experiences foster a global connection among people. They discussed the concept of dark sky tourism, tracing its evolution from centuries-old astronomical travel to a burgeoning niche market.

The speaker highlighted the role of Dark Sky International in certifying Dark Sky Sanctuaries and the importance of protecting nocturnal environments. This exploration has not only opened new perspectives but also instilled hope through shared experiences and advocacy. Megan discusses the rise of astrotourism, noting its evolution from a niche interest during her time as a Lonely Planet editor to a growing mainstream trend, especially highlighted in publications like Condé Nast Traveler. She notes that the pandemic sparked an increased interest in outdoor experiences and astronomical events.

Destinations such as New Zealand and Utah are leading the way in promoting dark sky tourism, with a focus on reducing light pollution and enhancing responsible tourism practices. As awareness increases, Megan expresses hope that more places will begin to protect and restore their night skies. In a lively discussion about stargazing tourism, the speakers explore its growing popularity and the changing profile of stargazing tourists. They emphasize the importance of nocturnal conservation and the connection between mindful tourism and nature conservation.

One speaker shares the transformative experience of witnessing the night sky, which often leads to a deep commitment to conservation. However, they also caution against “star washing,” a form of greenwashing where marketing may misrepresent the actual stargazing experience. In a recent podcast, the speakers addressed the challenges of promoting responsible stargazing and nature tourism without sufficient conservation efforts. They expressed hope that initiatives like Dark Sky’s lodging certification would encourage hotels to invest in eco-friendly lighting, fostering regenerative tourism.

Notable examples include New Zealand’s Dark Sky Project in Tekapo, Argentina’s Ruta de las Estrellas, and La Palma’s well-regulated dark sky tourism efforts. The speakers highlighted innovative local experiences, such as nocturnal wildlife safaris in the UK, showcasing the potential of dark sky tourism to extend beyond mere stargazing.

Megan shared insights on enhancing nocturnal tourism by diversifying experiences beyond simple stargazing, emphasizing the importance of engaging activities like wildlife observation and responsible lighting practices. She emphasized the importance of businesses contributing positively to reducing light pollution while also attracting visitors. Excited about her upcoming travels to Namibia and Chile, Megan also announced her book “Nightfaring,” set for release in 2026, encouraging readers to pre-order through local bookstores or online platforms like bookshop.org.

Megan Eaves shared her experiences and insights on dark sky tourism, highlighting its evolving nature and the importance of exploring diverse travel segments. The conversation touched on future developments and challenges within this niche in tourism.