One thing is constant about astrophotography: the more remote, the better. First and foremost is the minimal amount of light pollution. Light pollution from urban places takes away the luster of the night sky, washing out the stars and dulling celestial objects. When you’re out far from any artificial lighting, the night sky takes on very new dimensions. This gives you a canvas that’s as dark and pristine as it gets, perfect for photographing the cosmos. For many living in industrialized nations, this spectacle—a painted view of the Milky Way across the skies—does not cross their lifetime’s experience.
This might be possible by the individualistic landscapes which are characteristic of these remote spots: picture the Milky Way arching over a rugged desert or the Northern Lights dancing above a secluded Arctic wilderness. These create context and scale within your astrophotographs that make them more intriguing and visually appealing. The natural beauty of these places adds another level to your pictures.
It is probably true that all these remote locations are important to underline what experienced astrophotographers say in their personal stories. Many professionals who have gone out into the wilderness have found it to be a life-changing experience to stand alone under that vast, starry sky. It’s not just about the photos; it’s about the connection to nature and the cosmos. These stories often relate how the quietness and even the eerie isolation of an environment stimulate a much closer sense of attention and creativity in your work.
What makes them so interesting are the deep levels of discovery and exploration brought into play. In traveling to these remote destinations, one is often capturing a view of skies and landscapes that have been seldom photographed before. This makes your photos unique and, above all, gives you an exciting sense of adventure. And while most people in the world will never be present to witness a captured image of a star cluster or nebula, what you will be doing is going through a rite of passage into the rare and special moment of life shared with the world.
As usual, make preparations for safe observing and photographing. Extremely remote locations have even more stringent safety requirements
Top Remote Locations Around the World for Astrophotography
1. Atacama Desert, Chile
- Overview: The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with clear skies for over 300 nights a year. This makes it an ideal location for both professional astronomers and amateur astrophotographers.
- Astronomical Conditions: The high altitude (over 2,400 meters or 7,800 feet) and low humidity result in minimal atmospheric distortion, providing incredibly clear and stable viewing conditions. The desert’s remoteness ensures very little light pollution.
- Highlights: The Milky Way is stunningly bright, and the Southern Hemisphere offers unique views of celestial objects such as the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, the Southern Cross, and the Eta Carinae Nebula.
- Notable Observatories: The Atacama is home to several world-class observatories, including the Paranal Observatory (home to the Very Large Telescope) and the ALMA Observatory.
2. Aurora-Filled Skies of Iceland and Norway
- Overview: Iceland and Norway are among the top destinations for photographing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The combination of clear, dark skies and geomagnetic activity results in spectacular displays of auroras.
- Iceland:
- Best Time: The aurora is most visible from September to March, with peak visibility during the winter months.
- Locations: Some of the best spots in Iceland include Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The unique volcanic landscapes and ice formations add an extra dimension to aurora photography.
- Norway:
- Best Time: Similar to Iceland, the best viewing period is between September and March.
- Locations: In Norway, Tromsø is a popular base for aurora hunting. The Lofoten Islands and the Lyngen Alps also offer dramatic landscapes against which the auroras can be captured.
- Astronomical Conditions: Cold, clear winter nights, combined with the high latitude, provide optimal conditions for observing the aurora. Light pollution is minimal outside major towns.
3. Australian Outback
- Overview: The Australian Outback offers vast, open skies and minimal light pollution, making it a prime location for Southern Hemisphere astrophotography.
- Astronomical Conditions: The Outback’s dry climate and remote locations ensure excellent visibility. The skies here offer a different perspective of the Milky Way, with its center more prominently visible.
- Highlights: Key features include the Southern Cross, the Milky Way’s core, and other Southern Hemisphere objects like the Carina Nebula and Omega Centauri. The landscape itself, with its iconic red earth and rock formations, creates stunning foregrounds.
- Notable Locations:
- Uluru (Ayers Rock): This iconic landmark provides a striking foreground for astrophotography.
- The Pinnacles: Located in Western Australia, this area features natural limestone formations that add a unique element to night sky images.
4. Namibia’s Namib Desert
- Overview: Namibia is known for some of the darkest skies in the world, with the Namib Desert being one of the prime spots for astrophotography.
- Astronomical Conditions: The desert’s dry climate, high elevation, and remote location provide crystal-clear skies almost year-round. The lack of light pollution and humidity make it an ideal location for capturing deep-sky objects.
- Highlights: The Milky Way is particularly bright and detailed here, especially around the Galactic Center. The Southern Hemisphere objects, like the Magellanic Clouds and the Southern Cross, are also easily visible.
- Notable Locations:
- Sossusvlei: The towering red dunes of Sossusvlei create a dramatic contrast with the night sky.
- NamibRand Nature Reserve: This private reserve is recognized as a Dark Sky Reserve and is renowned for its exceptional night skies.
Essential Gear and Tips for Remote Astrophotography
Now, beginning with the very basics, setting up your camera and lens properly is very important. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will give you control over exposure, aperture, and ISO to get good astrophotographs. The fastest lens with the widest aperture, i.e., f/2.8 or lower, is ideal since it lets more light hit the sensor, thereby reducing exposure time.
Tripods are crucial. You’ll be doing a lot of long exposure, so you want the pictures to be clear and sharp. The best for remote locations are lightweight, portable tripods because you might need to hike or travel off-road. Star trackers or go-to mounts are a good idea if you plan on taking any images longer than 30 seconds.
Remote releases of the shutter eliminate shakes from pressing the shutter release button, especially in long exposures, to give a sharper shot. Another useful tool is an intervalometer to take sequences of shots.
Setting up in a remote location requires some forethought. Scout your location during the day to find the best composition and to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Look for any obstacles that could interfere with your shots.
You will need to check the weather forecast. Clear skies are an absolute requisite, but one must also know that temperature drops at night in such remote areas are common. Dressing in layers and carrying extra supplies, like batteries, is a must, as the cold weather can drain them quickly.
Don’t forget about safety and survival gear. Being miles away from the rest of civilization may mean that you need to be self-sufficient. A good headlamp with a red light mode to preserve your night vision can be quite effective when you are working. Bring enough food, water, and emergency supplies to last longer than your planned stay, just in case. Lastly, make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you plan to be back. Remote locations come with inherent dangers, so it is very important to have some form of safeguard in place.