Atacama Desert
Chile · South America
The driest non-polar desert on Earth with over 300 clear nights per year. At altitudes exceeding 4,000m, the air is so thin and dry that the stars appear to pierce the sky. Home to some of the world's most powerful observatories, including ALMA.
Best Season April–November
Altitude 4,000m
Coordinates 23.86°S 68.05°W
Bortle Rating Bortle 1
Observable Phenomena
What's Visible
Milky Way core, Large & Small Magellanic Clouds, Eta Carinae Nebula, Omega Centauri, Crux, Centaurus
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Photographer Notes
Altitude acclimatization essential. Near-zero humidity. Best imaging window: 11pm–4am during new moon. Bring oxygen tablets.
Getting There & Staying
San Pedro de Atacama village. ALMA Observatory nearby. Altitude acclimatization of 1-2 days recommended.