Observation and study of the imposing Milky Way have captured people's attention since ancient times. Thousands of years ago, people had various conjectures about the Milky Way.

The Europeans imagined the Milky Way to be formed by milk flowing from the Queen in the sky when she feeds her baby and called it the Milky Way, which is how it came to be known in English. However, a beautiful myth cannot replace an accurate scientific explanation.

In the early 17th century, the great Italian scientist Galileo pointed his telescope at the Milky Way and discovered, to his surprise, that the Milky Way was formed by many densely packed stars gathered together. Since these stars were too far away from Earth to be distinguished by the human eye, it was seen as a bright band of light.

There are still many places in the world where you can witness the splendor of the night sky, and enjoy the starry sky, the Milky Way, and the Northern Lights like never before. Here is a list of the most beautiful places in the world for the night sky:

1. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland

Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is one of the world's top four dark night parks and the UK's Gold Class Dark Sky Reserve. In 2009, the park was awarded the title of "Dark Night Park" by the International Dark Sky Association and designated as one of the best places in the world to see the stars.

2. Natural Bridges National Monument, USA

Natural Bridges National Monument is located in Utah, USA, and is one of only four dark parks in the world. A star-studded night sky looms above the Owakomo Bridge. The preserve is the first dark sky park to be named by the International Dark Sky Association.

3. Mount Cook, New Zealand

Mount Cook is located in the Southern Alps in the west-central part of New Zealand's High South Island. Surrounded by 22 tall peaks, it is covered with snow all year round.

It has an extremely bright night sky. Stargazing here will be arranged with knowledgeable astronomy guides who will lead you to use advanced monoculars and high-magnification binoculars to get to know the wonderful starry sky of the Southern Hemisphere.

4. Bük National Park, Hungary

Bük National Park is the largest national park in Hungary, nestled in the Bük Mountains in the north, near the city of Miskolc, where perfect stargazing opportunities await you beneath the highest mountain in the country.

5. Cherry Springs State Park, USA

Located in Pennsylvania, Cherry Springs State Park has some of the best night sky views in the United States. Depending on the time of year, you can see Venus, the International Space Station, and the Omega Nebula.

Although the park is open year-round, they do offer suggestions for the best time to visit. Spring and summer are ideal times to observe the Milky Way, but fall and winter are better for overall clarity.

6. De Boschplaat, Netherlands

De Boschplaat is a nature reserve recognized by the Council of Europe, and the best place for night viewing here is conveniently located on the eastern side of the island of Terschelling. The public has unlimited access to the park at all times, and there are eight designated stargazing sites to choose from.

7. Trysil, Norway

Trysil is located in Hedmark County in southeastern Norway, which is also one of Norway's most popular destinations for skiing and other winter sports and has some of the clearest skies in Scandinavia. Trysil is an ideal location for Arctic views and galactic vistas, and you will be equally amazed by the wonders of the universe when you come here.