Dark Skies

the birthplace of the dark skies movement

From the discovery of Pluto to the world's first Dark Sky Place — Arizona's connection to the cosmos runs deep. On a clear night in Arizona, you can see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter —and even the glow of the Andromeda galaxy — with just the naked eye.

Thanks to consistent weather conditions, mountainous geography and decades of thoughtful dark sky stewardship, it's no wonder that hobbyists and astronomers alike flock to the state to get lost in the stars.

Communities across the state including Flagstaff, Sedona, Camp Verde, Oak Creek, Cottonwood, Fountain Hills, Bisbee and Tubac, have earned Dark Sky status from DarkSky International for their dedication to preserving the brilliance of the night sky. Arizona also boasts one of the highest concentrations of Dark Sky Parks in the country, most notably Grand Canyon National Park.

Arizona is not only a top stargazing destination, but a hub for space discovery and astronomical innovation. Here, you can visit dozens of world-class observatories and planetariums that are at the forefront of cutting-edge space science and education.

Whether you fancy yourself a Dark Skies aficionado, or you're just seeking tranquility beneath the stars — Arizona delivers.