USTOA Tour Operators Embrace Astrotourism

It's easy to understand why astrotourism is on the rise: the rare sight of a night sky filled with stars is astonishing. Between chasing the Northern Lights, outdoor observatories, desert stargazing, and the 7^th continent's unending twilight, USTOA tour operators have endless astronomy-centered adventures.

For clients chasing the Northern Lights, National Geographic-Linblad Expeditions offers an itinerary Exploring Greenland's Northeast National Park. This cruise traces the voyages of Viking sailors while venturing to the largest national park in the world. And what about snapping that perfect photo? National Geographic photography experts are onboard to help your clients capture the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights.

2027 will see a once-in-a-century solar eclipse and guests can experience this celestial wonder from a prime viewing position onboard Windstar Cruises' Total Solar Eclipse from Greece and Malta cruise. Other highlights include stops in Archimedes' hometown of Syracuse, Italy; Malta's ocean-side capital of Valetta; and Monemvasia, known as the Gibraltar of Greece.

The Sahara Desert offers an escape from light pollution where the stars shine magnificently. On Classic Journeys' Morocco Cultural Walking Tour, travelers will spend a night camping in the famed desert under a glittery sky. This trip also includes visits to the vibrant Majorelle Gardens at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum where the grounds are drenched in an electric blue hue.

Swain Destinations' Colors of Australia tour offers two different cosmic experiences. At Table 131 in Uluru, a four-course dinner is served under the mesmerizing night sky. After dinner, a resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations. In Thala Beach Nature Reserve, the night sky is free from light pollution. This outdoor observatory is bordered by rainforest and ocean so travelers are immersed in nature sounds while an experienced guide points out planets and night sites visible through telescopes and binoculars.

The South Pole is an unexpected pick for astrotourism, but Antarctica has a spectacular twilight. Instead of a sunset that lasts for minutes, guests can bask in the glow of golden hour for hours. Quark Expeditions' Antarctic Explorer offers numerous opportunities to experience this cosmic phenomenon on board, and especially adventurous clients can even spend one night camping under the indigo glow of the Antarctic night.