Before the 19th century began, seeing the Milky Way was as common as seeing the Moon. Then came light pollution. It is so intense that many people rarely get to admire a starry night. But one photographer dedicated himself to recording Earth’s last dark skies. He is also an astrophysicist Jordi Busqué. He travels the world as a documentary photographer and science communicator. From Morocco to Patagonia, he found these last dark-sky sanctuaries in the world.
Atacama
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest areas in the world. There are no clouds at night, which is essential if you want to photograph the stars.
On the left side of the photo you can see the center of the Milky Way.
North of Chile
This photo is of an abandoned town in the north of Chile. In the sky you can see part of the constellation Ursa Major. It is one of the constellations visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Canary islands spain
Thanks to its brightness, the center of the Milky Way is relatively easy to observe. From the northern hemisphere, it is best seen during the summer looking south, as in this photograph.
Cactus field in Bolivia
This photograph was taken in a giant cactus field in Bolivia. The white cloud-like shape in the center of the photo is called the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Land of Fire
In some places it almost seems like you can touch the stars. That was the feeling on the Argentine coast of Tierra del Fuego. The region is known for its strong winds.
Cerro Torre, Argentina
Cerro Torre is the legendary peak of the Patagonian Andes in Argentina. The peak is often shrouded in clouds. Here you can see the different colors of the stars.
Oasis in the Sahara
To find places with clear night skies, you need to go to places where population density is low. For this reason, deserts are usually good places to admire starry nights. This photograph was taken in an oasis in the Sahara desert.
Morocco
Here, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, you can see the very soft glow that starlight produces. It is stronger facing the sea than facing the land.
The Pyrenees
In Europe it is increasingly difficult to find places without light pollution. Some mountainous rural areas, such as the Pyrenees, make the experience easier. There is another of the last dark skies on Earth
