Under STARRY SKIES

From chasing the Northern Lights to witnessing a solar eclipse, why not try an astrotourism holiday in 2026?

- ALICIA MILLER

Remember gazing at the night sky as a child? The universe then seemed mind-boggling, vast and breathtaking. Taking time to just look up and ponder the bigger picture often falls by the wayside as we get older. But now, a rise in astrotourism holidays suggests many people want to put the celestial magic back into their lives.

With an estimated 80% of the planet suffering from light pollution, perhaps it's time we thought about protecting our skyscapes. Not only are dark skies beneficial for wildlife, biodiversity and human health, they also connect us to our history. From the ancient Greeks to the early Polynesians, many civilisations have embraced the stars, moon and solar phenomena as an important part of culture and communication. Curiosity sparked? Here are some of the best trips to try.

Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland