Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n![\"Pittsburgh,](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/downtown-pittsburgh.jpg\")
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<\/em><\/p><\/div>\nEvery aspiring astronaut has to start somewhere \u2013 and your journey can begin at the <\/span>Carnegie Science Cente<\/a>r<\/a> in <\/span>Pittsburgh<\/a>. From a two-story replica of the International Space Station to fascinating facts about globular clusters, nebulas, and planets, this place is jam-packed info about what lies beyond our little planet. See space for yourself with the <\/span>Buhl Planetarium<\/a>\u2019s 16-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. You\u2019ll be able to check out the surface of the moon and a handful of planets as expert stargazers share key details about our universe. You\u2019ll even enjoy a stellar fifth-floor view of downtown Pittsburgh.<\/span><\/p>\nOther nearby spots to stare up at the heavens include the Allegheny Observatory at Riverview Park<\/a>, which is frequented both by visitors and university astronomical researchers, and the Wagman Observatory, which houses the world-class Manka Memorial telescope and is the site of Star Parties hosted by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh<\/a>.<\/p>\nGreen Bank, West Virginia<\/h2>\n
![\"Green](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Green-bank-telescope.jpg\")
The tiny community of Green Bank is located in the sloping hills of the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia<\/a>, and is a veritable holy of holies for budding astronomers. Green Bank\u2019s secluded setting and tiny population belie its immense importance in the study of astronomy. The community is the headquarters of the Green Bank Observatory<\/a>, a research center that hosts the world\u2019s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Along with being involved in SETI — the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence — the Green Bank Observatory has led countless research endeavors that have mapped out everything from pulsars to neutron stars.<\/p>\nHere you will learn how astronomers use radio waves to explore the universe. The observatory is also home to the Science Center, an institution committed to enlightening the public on the wonders of astronomy. Exhibits focus on a myriad of different topics, including the expansion of the universe and the chemical and atmospheric composition of celestial objects in our galaxy and throughout the universe.<\/p>\n
Fort Davis, Texas<\/h2>\n
![\"McDonald](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/McDonald-Observatory.jpg\")
For those who dream of exploring the night sky, Fort Davis, Texas, offers a welcome escape. One of Fort Davis\u2019s biggest attractions is the McDonald Observatory<\/a> atop Mt. Locke. Not only does this celebrated astronomical research center boast the 362-inch Hobby-Eberly Telescope \u2014 one of the largest ever constructed \u2014 but the surrounding area gets really dark at night, making it a prime spot to stargaze. Going with your significant other? Share a telescope at one of the observatory\u2019s Star Parties on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Continue your astronomical trip to Texas<\/a> at the serene Davis Mountains State Park<\/a>, where travelers of every age can lie back and observe the brilliant night sky.<\/p>\nPasadena, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Caltech\u2019s](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Caltechs-Palomar-Observatory.jpg\")
Pasadena, California<\/a> is home to several institutions that were of major importance in Carl Sagan\u2019s life and humanity\u2019s quest to understand the stars. As one of the greatest scientific minds of his generation, Sagan frequently served as an advisor to NASA, particularly for their Voyager and Viking programs. NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory celebrates this aspect of Sagan\u2019s life in tours of their cutting-edge research center. Guests can step foot in Mission Control and watch NASA scientists hard at work in the Space Assembly area. The facility also has several life-size models of NASA spacecraft and probes, including one from the Voyager program.<\/p>\nWhile in California, astronomy lovers will also want to check out Caltech\u2019s Palomar Observatory<\/a>, one of the most important astronomical research facilities in the United States. The Palomar Observatory is home to the famed Hale Telescope, one of the largest in the world.<\/p>\nNew York City<\/h2>\n
![\"Manhattan](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Manhattan-stars.jpg\")
In the “City That Never Sleeps,” it\u2019s no surprise that New Yorkers are fascinated by the night sky and what lies millions of light years away from our watery world. A fantastic place to start is the American Museum of Natural History\u2019s Hayden Planetarium<\/a>, home to the immersive space how, Dark Universe<\/a>, where visitors can dive into the mysteries of cosmic expansion, black holes, and dark matter, all backed by the latest in astronomical research. Then, take all of that newfound knowledge to the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York<\/a>, a dedicated community that hosts regular stargazing meet-ups in parks across the five boroughs, providing telescopes and expertise to help curious New Yorkers get closer to the stars.<\/p>\nFlagstaff, Arizona<\/h2>\n
![\"Flagstaff,](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Flagstaff-Arizona-starry-night.jpg\")
Just as Sagan has influenced generations of scientists in their study of the cosmos, he himself was inspired by the work and theories of 19th-century astronomer Percival Lowell. Lowell, best known for his groundbreaking research on Mars, founded the Lowell Observatory<\/a> in Flagstaff, Arizona<\/a>, in 1894. Today, it remains one of the largest scientific research centers in the Southwest. The Lowell Observatory achieved international recognition in 1930 when scientists based at the institute discovered Pluto.<\/p>\nA perennially popular spot for stargazing, the Lowell Observatory offers many exciting tours and exhibitions for those with a love of space and astronomy. In addition to exhibits on the discovery and exploration of Pluto, the observatory also operates the Clark Telescope, which Sagan visited in an episode of Cosmos<\/em>. The Clark Telescope was used by scientists from NASA to map out the surface of the Moon for the Apollo program. Apollo astronauts even peered through the telescope\u2019s lens as part of their training regimen to help them get a greater understanding of the Moon\u2019s rugged terrain.<\/p>\nLos Angeles<\/h2>\n
![\"Griffith](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Griffith-Observatory-1.jpg\")
Dubbed \u201cSouthern California’s gateway to the cosmos,\u201d the <\/span>Griffith Observatory<\/a> atop Mount Hollywood offers stunning views of the cosmos, not to mention the entire city of <\/span>Los Angeles<\/a>. With free telescopes available for public use each evening and expert on-site guides, this observatory is a hotspot for unofficial crash courses in stargazing. Right next to Hollywood Boulevard stands <\/span>Runyon Canyon Park, a sprawling, 130-acre piece of land that offers Instagram-worthy city views and the opportunity for a little hike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRoswell, New Mexico<\/h2>\n
![\"Roswell,](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Roswell-New-Mexico-sky.jpg\")
Anyone with a passion for science fiction will tell you that Roswell, New Mexico<\/a> is one of the most important places in UFO lore. Roswell is at the center of many conspiracy theories alleging that a crashed alien spacecraft was recovered at a ranch just outside of the city at the dawn of the Atomic Age in 1947. While visitors are certain to find many an establishment catering to all things involving flying saucers and little green men, travelers with an interest in astronomy will also find much to love in the city.<\/p>\nRoswell is the home base of the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium<\/a>, a facility that specializes in helping the public better understand astronomy and the importance of space science. A division of the Roswell Museum, the Goddard Planetarium lets guests experience the wonders of the cosmos in a state-of-the-art digital theater. Boasting a diverse set of documentary films, the planetarium takes astronomy lovers on a whirlwind journey through the Milky Way. Beginning in the well-known confines of our Solar System, guests can travel through space and see the beating heart of the galaxy in the awe-inspiring Orion Nebula.<\/p>\nCocoa, Florida<\/h2>\n![\"Kennedy](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/florida-space-center.jpg\")
<\/a>Kennedy Space Center<\/em><\/p><\/div>\nAstronomy buffs and beginners alike will be star-struck by Florida\u2019s Space Coast in <\/span>Cocoa<\/a>. Start your day touring one of Florida\u2019s most beloved attractions, the <\/span>Kennedy Space Center<\/a>, which offers a 140,000-acre celebration of the cosmos. Experience a realistic simulation of a space shuttle launch, gaze up at 3D space footage, or take a stroll across a garden teeming with capsules and rockets. After you\u2019ve witnessed what it takes to become a real astronaut, fly over to the <\/span>Planetarium and Observatory<\/a> at Eastern Florida State College. Featuring a star theater, public observatory, art gallery, and interactive exhibits, this facility is a solid way to end an afternoon with the stars.<\/span><\/p>\nAnchorage, Alaska<\/h2>\n
![\"Alaska\"](\"http:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/alaska-aurora.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Alaska<\/a> seems out of the way \u2013 unless you live <\/span>in<\/em> Alaska, of course! But this trek is more than worth making. Ever wonder why the sky is blue or Mars is red? Dream of gazing up at the Northern Lights glistening across the Article Circle? Your expedition begins at the <\/span>Anchorage Museum\u2019s Thomas Planetarium<\/a>, where you\u2019ll have the chance to experience this and much more. If you\u2019re feeling particularly adventurous, catch a bus or train to Denali National Park and Preserve for unforgettable views of the aurora.<\/span><\/p>\nYou Might Also Enjoy: Lights Out! Dark Places in the USA That Are Just Perfect for Stargazing<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nIthaca, New York<\/h2>\n
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Every aspiring astronaut has to start somewhere \u2013 and your journey can begin at the <\/span>Carnegie Science Cente<\/a>r<\/a> in <\/span>Pittsburgh<\/a>. From a two-story replica of the International Space Station to fascinating facts about globular clusters, nebulas, and planets, this place is jam-packed info about what lies beyond our little planet. See space for yourself with the <\/span>Buhl Planetarium<\/a>\u2019s 16-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. You\u2019ll be able to check out the surface of the moon and a handful of planets as expert stargazers share key details about our universe. You\u2019ll even enjoy a stellar fifth-floor view of downtown Pittsburgh.<\/span><\/p>\n Other nearby spots to stare up at the heavens include the Allegheny Observatory at Riverview Park<\/a>, which is frequented both by visitors and university astronomical researchers, and the Wagman Observatory, which houses the world-class Manka Memorial telescope and is the site of Star Parties hosted by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here you will learn how astronomers use radio waves to explore the universe. The observatory is also home to the Science Center, an institution committed to enlightening the public on the wonders of astronomy. Exhibits focus on a myriad of different topics, including the expansion of the universe and the chemical and atmospheric composition of celestial objects in our galaxy and throughout the universe.<\/p>\n While in California, astronomy lovers will also want to check out Caltech\u2019s Palomar Observatory<\/a>, one of the most important astronomical research facilities in the United States. The Palomar Observatory is home to the famed Hale Telescope, one of the largest in the world.<\/p>\n A perennially popular spot for stargazing, the Lowell Observatory offers many exciting tours and exhibitions for those with a love of space and astronomy. In addition to exhibits on the discovery and exploration of Pluto, the observatory also operates the Clark Telescope, which Sagan visited in an episode of Cosmos<\/em>. The Clark Telescope was used by scientists from NASA to map out the surface of the Moon for the Apollo program. Apollo astronauts even peered through the telescope\u2019s lens as part of their training regimen to help them get a greater understanding of the Moon\u2019s rugged terrain.<\/p>\n Roswell is the home base of the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium<\/a>, a facility that specializes in helping the public better understand astronomy and the importance of space science. A division of the Roswell Museum, the Goddard Planetarium lets guests experience the wonders of the cosmos in a state-of-the-art digital theater. Boasting a diverse set of documentary films, the planetarium takes astronomy lovers on a whirlwind journey through the Milky Way. Beginning in the well-known confines of our Solar System, guests can travel through space and see the beating heart of the galaxy in the awe-inspiring Orion Nebula.<\/p>\n Kennedy Space Center<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Astronomy buffs and beginners alike will be star-struck by Florida\u2019s Space Coast in <\/span>Cocoa<\/a>. Start your day touring one of Florida\u2019s most beloved attractions, the <\/span>Kennedy Space Center<\/a>, which offers a 140,000-acre celebration of the cosmos. Experience a realistic simulation of a space shuttle launch, gaze up at 3D space footage, or take a stroll across a garden teeming with capsules and rockets. After you\u2019ve witnessed what it takes to become a real astronaut, fly over to the <\/span>Planetarium and Observatory<\/a> at Eastern Florida State College. Featuring a star theater, public observatory, art gallery, and interactive exhibits, this facility is a solid way to end an afternoon with the stars.<\/span><\/p>\n Alaska<\/a> seems out of the way \u2013 unless you live <\/span>in<\/em> Alaska, of course! But this trek is more than worth making. Ever wonder why the sky is blue or Mars is red? Dream of gazing up at the Northern Lights glistening across the Article Circle? Your expedition begins at the <\/span>Anchorage Museum\u2019s Thomas Planetarium<\/a>, where you\u2019ll have the chance to experience this and much more. If you\u2019re feeling particularly adventurous, catch a bus or train to Denali National Park and Preserve for unforgettable views of the aurora.<\/span><\/p>\n You Might Also Enjoy: Lights Out! Dark Places in the USA That Are Just Perfect for Stargazing<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nGreen Bank, West Virginia<\/h2>\n
The tiny community of Green Bank is located in the sloping hills of the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia<\/a>, and is a veritable holy of holies for budding astronomers. Green Bank\u2019s secluded setting and tiny population belie its immense importance in the study of astronomy. The community is the headquarters of the Green Bank Observatory<\/a>, a research center that hosts the world\u2019s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Along with being involved in SETI — the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence — the Green Bank Observatory has led countless research endeavors that have mapped out everything from pulsars to neutron stars.<\/p>\nFort Davis, Texas<\/h2>\n
For those who dream of exploring the night sky, Fort Davis, Texas, offers a welcome escape. One of Fort Davis\u2019s biggest attractions is the McDonald Observatory<\/a> atop Mt. Locke. Not only does this celebrated astronomical research center boast the 362-inch Hobby-Eberly Telescope \u2014 one of the largest ever constructed \u2014 but the surrounding area gets really dark at night, making it a prime spot to stargaze. Going with your significant other? Share a telescope at one of the observatory\u2019s Star Parties on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Continue your astronomical trip to Texas<\/a> at the serene Davis Mountains State Park<\/a>, where travelers of every age can lie back and observe the brilliant night sky.<\/p>\nPasadena, California<\/h2>\n
Pasadena, California<\/a> is home to several institutions that were of major importance in Carl Sagan\u2019s life and humanity\u2019s quest to understand the stars. As one of the greatest scientific minds of his generation, Sagan frequently served as an advisor to NASA, particularly for their Voyager and Viking programs. NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory celebrates this aspect of Sagan\u2019s life in tours of their cutting-edge research center. Guests can step foot in Mission Control and watch NASA scientists hard at work in the Space Assembly area. The facility also has several life-size models of NASA spacecraft and probes, including one from the Voyager program.<\/p>\nNew York City<\/h2>\n
In the “City That Never Sleeps,” it\u2019s no surprise that New Yorkers are fascinated by the night sky and what lies millions of light years away from our watery world. A fantastic place to start is the American Museum of Natural History\u2019s Hayden Planetarium<\/a>, home to the immersive space how, Dark Universe<\/a>, where visitors can dive into the mysteries of cosmic expansion, black holes, and dark matter, all backed by the latest in astronomical research. Then, take all of that newfound knowledge to the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York<\/a>, a dedicated community that hosts regular stargazing meet-ups in parks across the five boroughs, providing telescopes and expertise to help curious New Yorkers get closer to the stars.<\/p>\nFlagstaff, Arizona<\/h2>\n
Just as Sagan has influenced generations of scientists in their study of the cosmos, he himself was inspired by the work and theories of 19th-century astronomer Percival Lowell. Lowell, best known for his groundbreaking research on Mars, founded the Lowell Observatory<\/a> in Flagstaff, Arizona<\/a>, in 1894. Today, it remains one of the largest scientific research centers in the Southwest. The Lowell Observatory achieved international recognition in 1930 when scientists based at the institute discovered Pluto.<\/p>\nLos Angeles<\/h2>\n
Dubbed \u201cSouthern California’s gateway to the cosmos,\u201d the <\/span>Griffith Observatory<\/a> atop Mount Hollywood offers stunning views of the cosmos, not to mention the entire city of <\/span>Los Angeles<\/a>. With free telescopes available for public use each evening and expert on-site guides, this observatory is a hotspot for unofficial crash courses in stargazing. Right next to Hollywood Boulevard stands <\/span>Runyon Canyon Park, a sprawling, 130-acre piece of land that offers Instagram-worthy city views and the opportunity for a little hike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRoswell, New Mexico<\/h2>\n
Anyone with a passion for science fiction will tell you that Roswell, New Mexico<\/a> is one of the most important places in UFO lore. Roswell is at the center of many conspiracy theories alleging that a crashed alien spacecraft was recovered at a ranch just outside of the city at the dawn of the Atomic Age in 1947. While visitors are certain to find many an establishment catering to all things involving flying saucers and little green men, travelers with an interest in astronomy will also find much to love in the city.<\/p>\nCocoa, Florida<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Anchorage, Alaska<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nIthaca, New York<\/h2>\n
![\"Sage](\"https:\/\/otwp-admin.fareportal.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Sage-Hall.jpg\")
Ithaca was one of the most important places in Dr. Sagan\u2019s life. For nearly 30 years, Sagan taught at Cornell University, where he helped mold the minds of the next generation of astronomers and peered into the mysteries of the cosmos. After his death in 1996, the people of Ithaca honored the legacy of the legendary astronomer with the creation of the