Article by DarkSky International
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Tucson has a well-earned reputation as one of the best places in the world to experience the night sky. Whether you’re an amateur stargazer, a professional astrophotographer, or someone who simply loves being outdoors after dark, Tucson offers an unforgettable experience long after the sun sets. Beyond the stunning views from the surrounding deserts and mountains, the city's deep-rooted history in astronomy and dark sky protection makes it a uniquely inspiring place to explore the cosmos.
To learn more about Tucson's connection to the stars, we teamed up with Bettymaya Foott, a professional astrophotographer, dark sky advocate, and Tucson local. With photographs featured in National Geographic Travel, Scape Magazine, and more, Bettymaya is a leading voice in the dark sky movement and a staff member at DarkSky International, the global nonprofit dedicated to protecting the night, headquartered right here in Tucson.
Bettymaya also helped found the Capture the Dark photography contest, and this year, Tucson is proud to join as a Location Sponsor to create a special award category for photos taken in southern Arizona. (Learn more about Capture the Dark and submit a photo today!)
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
A City That Surprised Me
Q: As an astrophotographer who captures incredible night sky images around the world, what stands out to you about Tucson?
"For a city of its size, Tucson has remarkably dark skies. I first moved here for work and later began school, and I was genuinely surprised and thrilled by how much access I still had to the night sky, even living in an urban area.
After spending time in rural areas around the Four Corners, I didn’t expect to find a city where I could enjoy great concerts, amazing restaurants, and all the amenities of a vibrant metro, and still be able to drive just 20 minutes to see the Milky Way. That’s an incredible combination. Tucson proves that dark skies don’t have to be limited to small towns."
Q: Why do you think Tucson has maintained such great night skies?
"Tucson was the first city in the world to enact a municipal lighting ordinance, an incredible milestone that shows just how long this community has been committed to protecting the night. That means shielding outdoor lighting, reducing glare, and taking real steps to prevent light pollution.
Protecting the night is in the DNA of this community, and I think that stems from our relationship with astronomy. Four major observatories surround Tucson: Kitt Peak, Whipple Observatory in the Santa Ritas, Mount Lemmon’s public observatory, the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO), and the Catalina Sky Survey, where scientists track asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth."
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
A Global Movement, Born in Tucson
Q: You work for DarkSky International. Can you tell us about its mission and connection to Tucson?
"I think of Tucson not just as the home of DarkSky International, but as the birthplace of the dark sky movement. If you’ve ever visited a 'Dark Sky Park' anywhere in the world, that idea—intentionally protecting the night sky—started right here in southern Arizona.
DarkSky was founded in 1988 by astronomers working at observatories around Tucson. They were concerned about rising light pollution and how it could affect astronomical research. What started as a mission to protect observatories grew into a global movement to safeguard nocturnal ecosystems, support community well-being, and preserve the night for everyone.
I’m always amazed by how many people in Tucson, from U of A students to my neighbors, already understand what light pollution is and why it matters. Because of our history, people here get it. They value a star-filled sky, and they want to protect it."
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
Bettymaya's Favorite Stargazing Spots
Q: What are some of your favorite spots to enjoy the night sky around Tucson?
Sky Bar: Astronomy Meets Nightlife
"When I first visited Tucson, I went to Sky Bar, a bar with telescopes? Yes, please! That visit made my decision to move here an easy one. They set up telescopes for public viewing, and volunteers are often on hand to help you see planets or deep sky objects. It’s such a fun and accessible way to experience the night sky, right in the heart of downtown."
Gates Pass & Saguaro National Park West: Milky Way in Minutes
"My absolute favorite spot is around Gates Pass and Saguaro National Park West. The saguaros, the desert landscape, and the ease of access—you can be there in about 20 minutes from downtown—make it ideal. I’ve driven out there multiple times in a single night chasing aurora (I didn’t see it that night, but I did see it twice from Tucson!). It’s also perfect for viewing the Milky Way in summer and fall, when the galactic core is low on the southern horizon."
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
Broadway Trailhead (Saguaro National Park East): Accessible and Expansive
"This is a great spot if you're looking for something more accessible. The Broadway Trailhead is paved, easy to reach, and open after dark. It’s especially great for seeing the springtime Milky Way, when the galactic core rises in the east. I’ve taken some of my favorite photos there."
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium: Learning Under the Stars
"Right on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau is where science meets fun. They host educational programs, public telescope nights, and even laser shows. It’s a great place to deepen your appreciation for the cosmos before heading out into the desert."
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
Tips for Exploring the Night
Q: Do you have any tips or recommendations for preparing for a nighttime adventure around Tucson?
"When heading out to stargaze, I always recommend daytime scouting first—visit your location during the day so you can get familiar with the area. Desert nights can also get chilly, even after a warm day, so bring layers.
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Bring a flashlight with a red light setting to preserve your night vision. And pre-download a night sky app—it’s such a great way to learn what you’re seeing overhead."
Why It Matters
Q: What should people know about light pollution, and how can they help?
"Learning about the impacts of light pollution is a great place to start. Light pollution doesn’t just block the stars. It disrupts wildlife, harms human health, wastes energy, and can even reduce safety.
DarkSky has a set of guiding principles that can help you reduce light pollution around your home. We also have a Home Lighting Assessment activity to help get you started. If you want to go deeper, sign up to become an official DarkSky Advocate and join monthly meetings and a worldwide community working to protect the night! There’s also a local DarkSky Chapter in Southern Arizona you can volunteer with."
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
A Final Word: Get out and explore the magic of the night
Q: What should people bring or prepare when heading out to explore the night sky?
"Tucson is a magical place to see the stars. When I’m out wandering the Sonoran Desert at night, I feel at peace. The towering saguaros under the stars feel like ancient guardians, guiding us through the darkness. The Tohono O’odham people consider saguaros to be souls, and I’ve never felt that more strongly than at night, walking among them. They remind me why we work to protect this incredible resource: the night sky.
I encourage people to get out after dark, and explore the wonders of the night, to familiarize themselves with darkness, and learn about its importance. If you're looking for a place to start, check out Tucson’s Astro Trail, which will help guide your journey.”