Our night sky offers more than just breathtaking views—it’s a gateway to relaxation, mindfulness, and wonder. Stargazing invites us to step away from the 24/7 noise of work, social media, and daily life to reconnect with nature and our place in the universe.
If you’re looking for resolutions that inspire, soothe, and challenge you all at once, stargazing might be the perfect choice. Here are seven 2025 New Year’s resolutions for stargazers to help you maximize your joy and knowledge from the cosmos.
1. Plan Stargazing Adventures to Unplug and Recharge
Make stargazing an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind. Whether it’s more backporch communing with the planets or an ambitious trip to a Dark Sky park like Big Bend in Texas, start planning regular outings where you can leave work emails and social media behind. Use the quiet of the night to recharge mentally and emotionally while marveling at the universe.
2. Visit Stargazing-Friendly Locations
Some of the best stargazing moments happen in remote places with little light pollution. In 2025, resolve to explore stargazing-friendly destinations. For beginners, car camping at a Dark Sky park or a nearby national park is an accessible and rewarding option. For the more adventurous, backcountry hiking offers unmatched solitude and pristine skies. Use apps to find locations with minimal light pollution (see Dark Sky International’s search tool), and plan your trips around celestial events like meteor showers or lunar eclipses for added magic.
3. Invest in the Right Stargazing Gear
Having the right tools can elevate your stargazing experience. Start with essentials like:
- Binoculars or a Compact Telescope: These make it easy to view celestial objects in more detail.
- Stargazing Apps: Use these to locate constellations, planets, and other phenomena.
- Red-Light Headlamps: Preserve your night vision while navigating in the dark.
For overnight camping trips, a specialized stargazing tent can make all the difference. Our own stargazing tent, the Sky View XL, with its mesh roof for uninterrupted views of the stars and patent-pending rainfly technology, ensures comfort and convenience for watching meteor showers, monthly full moons and far-flung constellations.
4. Support the Dark Sky International Movement
Preserving dark skies is essential for enjoying the stars in the future. This year, commit to supporting the Dark Sky International Movement:
- Advocate for legislation to reduce light pollution in your area.
- Install low-impact outdoor lighting at home.
- Spread awareness of the importance of protecting our natural night skies.
Sky View Tents supports the Dark Sky Colorado by donating a portion of our profits from the sales of our Sky View XL. We hope you will join us by making one of your 2025 New Year’s resolutions the support of your favorite dark sky organization!
5. Make Stargazing a Regular Activity
Don’t make this a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of thing. Incorporate stargazing into your routine! Consider scheduling monthly camping trips or mini-escapes to spend time under the stars.
There are lots of community and academic stargazing resources you can take advantage of, too. From observatories at college campuses to local astronomy clubs, you can find plenty of fun ways to see farther into the cosmos for little to no money down. Over time, it will become a rewarding habit that fosters connection with nature and loved ones. And you might just make some new friends along the way!
6. Learn and Document Your Stargazing Experiences
Deepen your appreciation of the night sky by learning to identify constellations, planets, and celestial events. Use stargazing apps to guide you, and consider journaling or capturing your adventures through photography to create lasting memories.
One of our faves is the Night Sky Almanac 2025: A Stargazers Guide by Wil Trion and published by Collins, which you can order online at BookPeople. Another Collins’ classic is Stargazing: Beginners Guide to Astronomy, which you can buy online at Porchlight Books. For true star nerds, you may want to go big with the Stargazing Journal, which is full of ways to record your night-sky discoveries.
7. Share Stargazing with Others
Whether it’s with family, friends, or stargazing groups, sharing the experience can make it even more special. Host a stargazing night, organize a camping trip with astro-curious friends, or join local astronomy clubs to connect with others who share your passion.
Final New Year’s Resolution Tips: Look Up and Begin Your Journey
Make your 2025 New Year’s resolutions actionable, achievable and fun! Don’t stress out about checking everything you resolve to do off the list. The point is to relax and enjoy a year of stargazing, exploration, and reconnection. By adopting New Year’s resolutions, you’ll not only enjoy stunning celestial sights but also gain a sense of peace, wonder, and purpose. So grab your gear, plan your first outing, and let the stars inspire your year!
Author Bio: Dave Manzer is the head of marketing for Sky View Tents. Dave brings a love of camping, night skies, espresso, and grammar to help chart a course for the Sky View Tents’ brand.
