The longest lunar eclipse of the century is happening this Friday, July 27th. For one hour and 43 minutes, the moon will creep into earth’s shadow, giving anyone in the line of totality a brilliant blood moon that is sure to make all your astrology-friends say the most insufferable shit. The bad news is: It won’t hit the Americas. The good news is: July is a nice time for some stargazing any old way. Just find a place that is located in a remote location, away from light pollution, and… look up.
With stars on the brain, we poured through Airbnb to find homes perfect for those seeking dark skies with an appreciative eye for our galaxy. These remote locations are some of the darkest in the world, giving the best clarity to the show overhead. Most notably these homes are specifically designed for stargazers — usually dome-shaped and with a transparent ceiling so you and your lovers/pals can fall asleep gazing at the stars, talking about the circle of life, and waxing philosophic on the inescapable destiny of family, or whatever else happened in the Lion King when the funny ferret was offscreen.
Whether you book in time (or in the right region) to catch the eclipse or not, this summer is the perfect opportunity to lose yourself in the vastness of our galaxy.
The Desert Dome Joshua Tree, California
For $150 per night, you and three other people can stay in this wi-fi equipped dome in Joshua Tree California. Offering a full kitchen and a sunroom, this modern bohemian igloo is equipped with all the comforts of home, despite being secluded in the desert. The visibility of the night sky in Joshua Tree is superb, and coyotes yelping in the distance are sure to make this year’s blood moon something straight out of a monster movie.
Eclipse status: Not Visible
Desert Retreat in Pioneertown, California
The best place for stargazing in California is the desert, and if you have Westworldian fantasies of living in the old times than the stargazing desert retreat in Pioneertown is for you (you just won’t get to, you know, murder people and sex the robots). All guests will have access to their own train caboose, a teepee, a church, and a saloon, giving the perfect backdrop for your amateur werewolf-cowboy-horror-political-drama true-crime-documentary. Once you see how brilliant the milky way galaxy looks over Pioneertown, you’ll grow envious for a time when light pollution didn’t blot out the beauty of the night sky — literally the only thing enviable thing about the past.
Eclipse status: Not Visible
Rustic Cabin, Twentynine Palms, California
This off-grid cabin blends indoor and outdoor living with a minimalistic design, perfect for lovers of the unconventional seeking escape from our busy world. The hosts warn that this cabin is meant for lovers of the outdoors. So if amenities are more important to you than a freaking blood moon, its best to look elsewhere.
The interior of the cabin is minimalist and modern, but if you’re worried by its shack-like outer appearance be assured — this isn’t some meth lab hidden an hour from Palm Springs. With a sky that breathtaking overhead, no one could ever get any meth cooking done anyway!
Eclipse status: Not Visible
Off the Grid and Forty Feet Up in Tiller, Oregon
Located about 10 miles from Tiller, Oregon, guests of this lookout tower will be 40-feet up and have access to 160 acres of private land with beautiful meadows surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County. Despite looking EXACTLY like that guard tower in Annihilation, guests can be assured that there are no mutant-bear creatures prowling the area ready to tear out your throat and terrorize all future victims with your screams.
Eclipse status: Not Visible
Star Gazing Capsule, Sedona, Arizona
What could be more fitting than viewing a large circular object orbiting the Earth from a large circular object ON the Earth? This semi-transparent dome is only suitable for the nighttime, as the Arizona heat is punishing, but it’s situated for perfect viewing of this year’s lunar eclipse. The capsule is spacious but is designed to accommodate three guests at a time so bring your lovers, or friends (whatever) and enjoy the colorful adjustable mood-lighting, complimentary wifi, and Zen-inspired bathrooms.
This airtight ventilated sphere will keep you comfortable and away from mosquitos, wind or any other external stimuli that might distract from the splendor of the night sky.
Eclipse status: Not Visible
…Um… Weird Sky Shack in County Garden, Devon, England
We know you’re thinking: Is this a straight up out-house? Located in Holcombe Rogus, this rustic stargazer (not an outhouse) is perfect for falling asleep beneath the stars thanks to its glass roof. Guests will have access to some fridge space in the main house as well as a shower and bathroom (see we told you). At $39 a night, this little stargazer is a steal for a romantic night under the lusty-ass blood moon. We can’t in good conscience recommend it for anything other than stargazing though!
Eclipse status: Visible, No Totality
Skywatch Observatory, Coonabarabran, Australia
Located in New South Wales, this four bedroom mud brick building has a sky viewing platform, a garden, an 18 hole astronomy-themed mini golf course, and OH YEAH A 12.5-meter Newtonian telescope!
Coonabarabran proudly calls itself the “Astronomy Capital of Australia” and with its remote local and brilliant skies are hard to believe it’s not calling itself the Astronomy Capital of the World. During the day, guests can explore the Warrumbungle Shire, ensuring that you’ll have something majestic to do during your entire stay at the Skywatch Observatory.
Eclipse status: Some of Total Eclipse Visible
Loft, Talarn, Spain
Located not far from the greatest observatory in Catalonia, this loft comes with a panoramic terrace that is perfect for stargazers. The room is in a renovated ancient townhouse, and its cozy decor combines rustic style with modern simplicity. Castles and wine cellars populate the area and the rental has all the common amenities you’d hope for — giving you a tranquil place to escape to, that doesn’t completely remove you from the rest of the world. The Lunar eclipse is sure to look striking hanging above the peaceful valleys of Catalonia, and the observatory is bound to have something special planned, but the loft’s remote locale and peaceful surroundings ensure a good show is to be had right from your terrace, preferably with a glass of wine.
Eclipse status: All of Total Eclipse Visible
Geodesic Dome, Quebrada de Alvarado, Chile
Located in the tranquil slopes of a national park, this geodesic dome offers a unique experience in a beautiful landscape populated by avocado, lemon, and apple trees that are native to the surrounding forest. Amenities are sparse, but if you’re looking for a cozy stay where you can reconnect with nature, we can’t think of a better place! Nothing could be more beautiful than enjoying this year’s lunar eclipse amongst the forest flowers and ferns of Chile.
Eclipse status: Partially Visible
