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<\/a><\/p>\nEvery aspiring astronaut has to start somewhere \u2013 and your little one\u2019s journey can begin at the Carnegie Science Cente<\/a>r<\/a> in Pittsburgh<\/a>. From a two-story replica of the International Space Station to fascinating facts about globular clusters, nebulas, and planets, this is the place to be for a jam-packed introduction to what lies beyond our blue planet. See space for yourself with the 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!<\/p>\n Other distinguished 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 Grab your cowboy boots, cutoff shorts, and telescopes \u2013 yes, you read that right! 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 \u2013one of the largest ever constructed\u2014but 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 (days vary). Continue your sparkling affair at the serene Davis Mountains State Park<\/a>, where travelers of every age can lie back and observe the brilliant night sky.<\/p>\n In the City That Never Sleeps, it\u2019s no surprise that New Yorkers are fascinated by the night sky and what lays millions of light years away from our watery world. Head over to the American Museum of Natural History\u2019s Hayden Planetarium Space Show: Dark Universe<\/a> for a stunning introduction to our universe and cosmic expansion. Take all of that newfound knowledge to the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York<\/a>, which regularly meets to geek out over the heavens in parks across the five boroughs.<\/p>\n Dubbed \u201cSouthern California’s gateway to the cosmos,\u201d the Griffith Observatory<\/a>\u00a0on top of Mount Hollywood offers stunning views of the cosmos, not to mention the entire city of Los Angeles.\u00a0 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 Runyon Canyon Park, a sprawling, 130-acre piece of land that offers Instagram-worthy city views and the opportunity for a post-flight exercise hike. Sure, there\u2019s plenty to see in the stars, but there are also some stunning views here in the City of Angels. Sometimes it pays to be grounded!<\/p>\n Not only is Boston<\/a>\u00a0a gorgeous city, but its Museum of Science is also a great place to take the little ones who dream of seeing the stars. When little ones are tucked in for the night, adult explorers can head over to Boston University\u2019s Coit Observatory<\/a> to try their hand at observing the evening sky with binoculars, telescopes, and the help of on-site experts.<\/p>\n Sure, reserving a hotel room downtown might be nice, but those who don\u2019t mind pulling on their boots and packing their camping gear can hop a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park<\/a>. Encompassing 12 stunning islands with prime views of both the Boston Harbor and the sky above, it\u2019s an excellent spot to spend the night.<\/p>\n Astronomy buffs and beginners alike will be star-struck by Florida\u2019s Space Coast in Cocoa<\/a>. Start your day touring one of Florida\u2019s most beloved attractions, the Kennedy Space Center<\/a>, which offers visitors 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 Planetarium and Observatory<\/a> at Eastern Florida State College. Featuring a star theater, public observatory, art gallery, and interactive exhibits, it\u2019s a solid way to end an afternoon with the stars.<\/p>\nFort Davis, Texas<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nNew York City<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nLos Angeles<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nBoston<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nCocoa, Florida<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAnchorage, Alaska<\/h2>\n