Welcome to our gallery of serene star gazing stations!

Sometimes you have to lay back and put things in perspective. There is nothing that brings the scope of the universe into view quite like star gazing. Whether you are laying back in the grass watching the stars twinkle in the night sky or using a telescope to get an intimate tour of far off spiraling galaxies, watching the sky is a pastime like no other.

For generations, humans have looked to the skies in awe and wonderment. You can keep up this proud and inspiring tradition with your very own star gazing station.

Pros

Explore the universe – With a star gazing station you can feel more connected with the universe. Watching the night sky can give you perspective, calm you, and let you experience the mysteries of space.
Education – There is so much to learn about stars, planets, and space in general. An area like this creates a great opportunity to learn some of this information. For young children it can serve to instill an interest in science and the universe.
Romantic – Staring into space is a classic romantic motif. Maybe it seems cliché, but once you are under the stars with your significant other you can’t help but to feel the magic of the galaxy.

Cons

Light pollution – If you are in an urban area or any other location with an abundance of artificial light, your star gazing may be greatly hindered. You will need a space where there is little ambient light; the less, the better. If you have a space that is completely secluded, it is ideal. Lightly populated areas may work as well. In general, the more heavily populated an area is the more light pollution will obscure your view of the stars.

There are countless ways to situation an area for star gazing. There is really no wrong way to do it, except if you can’t see the stars. You can have a simple intimate spot sectioned off for it, or you can have a structure built as in the above picture.

These kinds of structures are great for stargazing in all kinds of weather. The one above is perfect, as it includes a cozy bed to relax in while you stare up into the depths of the galaxy. Check it out here for more information.

One item that is ideal for a star gazing spot is a telescope. Telescopes range in quality and strength. The amount you spend on a telescope depends on your dedication to the hobby. For the casual star gazer you may only have to spend a couple of hundred dollars to get a piece of equipment that would be sufficient for your needs.

If you are an avid star watcher there are intricate and powerful telescopes, though these range in cost widely. You can get a great piece of equipment for a few thousand dollars. A telescope around this level will likely satisfy the most dedicated of amateur astronomers.

However, if you want to go all out you can do that. There are incredibly high powered and advanced telescopes that cost upward toward $35,000! With a telescope like that, you could see the neon signs on an alien amusement park. This kind of telescope is for the most dedicated of star gazers!

Find more backyard ideas in our definitive guide to backyards!

Patio

This is a great spot to set up shop and take a gander up into the open sky. Out here there are minimal light pollution sources. If the night gets too cold you can light a warm fire to keep warm while you relax under the night sky.

Here is a wonderful clear top dome with a bed inside. This is the most relaxed you can get while watching the stars swirl above you. There is no better way to spend a clear night. Learn more here.

Mediterranean Patio by Cedar Park Architects & Building Designers Infinity Design, Inc.

You can build a star gazing spot right into your home by cutting a hole in the ceiling. This turns your upstairs into a perfect place to go and watch over the neighborhood during the day and out into the starry sky as the sun drops.

Modern Landscape by Snohomish Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Sublime Garden Design, LLC

With a multiple leveled area like this you can have a nice relaxing evening. After a few drinks and dinner, when it starts to get dark, you can climb the ladder to gaze out into the endless expanse of the galaxy.

This fabulous clear dome sits beachside, giving it an amazing open sky to gaze upon the vastness of the observable universe. Listening to the ocean while taking in the realization of how small our world really is will be a transformative experience you will not forget. Learn more here.

Beach Style Deck by Brownsburg Architects & Building Designers Papit Architecture and Design

There are not many light pollution sources out on the water so a boat or dock is perfect to get away from the obstacles to a clear view.

Here is a decent telescope that would be perfect for the occasional star gazer. This powerful device lets you stare deep into the starry abyss. The light from those stars took thousands of years to get to us, it only makes sense to enjoy them. Learn more here.

Scandinavian Deck

If you are looking for a nice casual stargazing spot you can transform almost any patio into a place to look out over the stars. Even with a bit of light pollution you can still get a decent view of celestial bodies.

Farmhouse Shed by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Bosworth Hoedemaker

A small building with nice glass windows can be a great place to stargaze. When you don’t have many tall objects around to obstruct the view you can get an entire dome of twinkling lights to observe. Your whole sky will be lit up by the shine of the galaxy.

There are many products that can help you navigate the starry sky. There are so many educational supplies catering to the beginner. You don’t even need to invest in a telescope right away. Simple binoculars can help spark an interest. Learn more here.

Modern Patio by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers STUDIOS Architecture

If you are really invested in star gazing you can even build your own observatory. This is an amazing building to facilitate this hobby. It lets you drown out outside lights and can direct your telescope to the things you want to see.

Some telescopes can be enhanced with upgrades. This means that you can buy a starter telescope and purchase upgrades bit by bit as you gain interest in the hobby. There is no need to buy an incredibly expensive telescope right away if you are not going to be dedicated to star gazing. Learn more here.

Contemporary Shed by Springdale Architects & Building Designers Steven Jones Architect

You can retrofit other buildings into great star gazing facilities. As long as there is a space for you to look out into the sky, any area can work. Walls help keep you warm on cooler nights, but they are not necessary.

Contemporary Patio by San Francisco Photographers Michele Lee Willson Photograph

Here we see a patio with an outbuilding. A staircase leads to the top of the outbuilding which is the basis for a great star gazing station. Rooftops are perfect because they are typically above many obstructions to the view.