The Darkest Skies on Earth

Southern Sky & Milky Way

For many years, my astronomy dream has been to spend time in a dark location with excellent viewing and reliable weather, a location close to a comfortable room to sleep in and yet fully dark and respectful of the needs of astronomers. And finally, somewhere with a very wide and expansive viewing with few or no trees to block the view and with a safe spot to spend a night under the stars without risk of wild animals. 

After thinking about this for years and talking with many fellow amateur astronomers, I followed the lead of a fantastic astrophotographer and went to Namibia, and in particular to a lodge in the middle of the desert called Rooisand. It encompasses all of the above-mentioned traits. I only spent part of a week there but it was extraordinary. 

In this episode of the Translunar Podcast I talk at length about my experience there. Give it a listen if you want to get the full picture. 

I am not an astrophotographer but the image is of the southern sky featuring the southern cross (on its side near the bottom of the image) and the Milky Way glowing in the background. I took this with my mobile phone. It just starts to capture the dazzling sky that is there every night. 

Note: I am not affiliated with Rooisand nor receive any compensation for this post. I just love their location and lodge :-)