In a world increasingly illuminated by artificial light, truly dark skies have become a rare treasure. According to researchers, more than 80% of the global population now lives under light-polluted skies, making it difficult to see anything but the brightest stars in many urban areas. Yet a handful of remote deserts, mountains, forests and protected reserves offer exceptional night-sky conditions. These locations provide some of the clearest views of the planets, constellations, meteor showers, and the galaxy, and also serve as important sites for scientific research. From Chile’s Atacama Desert to the vast landscapes of Namibia and Australia, these are among the darkest areas on Earth to see the stars.

10 darkest areas around the world

1. Atacama Desert, ChileThe Atacama Desert in northern Chile is often considered the gold standard for astronomical observations. It is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving almost no rainfall. Combined with its high altitude and exceptionally clear atmosphere, these conditions make it ideal for studying the universe. The desert hosts world-renowned observatories, including ALMA and the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal Observatory. On moonlit nights, the Milky Way appears so bright that it can cast hazy shadows on the ground.

Atacama Desert, Chile

2. Namib Desert, NamibiaThe Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world and one of Africa’s premier stargazing destinations. Its low population density, dry climate and lack of urban development create remarkably dark skies. Visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the southern celestial hemisphere including the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies visible to the naked eye.3. Mauna Kea, Hawaii, United StatesStanding 4,207 meters above sea level, Mauna Kea offers the clearest astronomical viewing conditions anywhere on the planet. The mountain rises above most of Earth’s atmospheric water vapor and cloud cover, giving astronomers a stable and transparent window into space. Several major international observatories are located near its summit.4. Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New ZealandLocated on New Zealand’s South Island, the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve covers more than 4,300 square kilometres. Strict controls on outdoor lighting help preserve the area’s pristine night skies. Tourists can easily see the Milky Way, star clusters and many constellations of the Southern Hemisphere that are not visible from northern latitudes.

5. Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, CanadaLocated within Jasper National Park in Alberta, the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve is one of the largest accessible dark-sky preserves in the world. The combination of mountainous scenery and minimal light pollution creates excellent conditions for observing stars and planets. This preserve is especially popular during meteor showers and annual astronomy festivals.6. Galloway Forest Park, ScotlandDespite being located in the United Kingdom, Galloway Forest Park remains one of the darkest places in Europe. Named as Dark Sky Park, it offers remarkably clear views of the night sky. On favorable nights, visitors can see more than 7,000 stars, while in heavily light-polluted cities one may see only a few hundred stars.7. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, IrelandLocated on the southwest coast of Ireland, the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve is recognized as one of the world’s premier dark-sky destinations. Its remote location, rugged landscape and low levels of artificial light provide excellent conditions for viewing planets, galaxies and the Milky Way throughout the year.8. Tibetan PlateauThe Tibetan Plateau, often called the “Roof of the World”, offers high altitude viewing conditions that rival those of many professional observatories. Thin air, low humidity and limited growth contribute to exceptionally dark skies. Many remote parts of the plateau provide breathtaking views of the Milky Way stretching beyond the horizon.9. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, United StatesCherry Springs State Park has become one of North America’s most famous locations for amateur astronomy. Surrounded by forests and away from major cities, it has extremely low levels of light pollution. Stargazers regularly gather here to observe deep sky objects, including nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, United States

10. Australian Outback, AustraliaMuch of the Australian Outback is sparsely populated, making it one of the darkest inhabited regions on Earth. The combination of vast open landscapes and minimal artificial lighting creates ideal conditions for stargazing. The area around Uluru and remote parts of Western Australia offer extraordinary views of the southern night sky, including the center of the Milky Way.

Why are dark skies becoming rare?

Light pollution is increasing around the world as cities expand and artificial lighting becomes more widespread. Scientists have found that excessive light at night can affect wildlife behavior, disrupt ecosystems and reduce people’s ability to connect with the natural world. For astronomers, dark skies are essential for observing faint celestial objects and making new discoveries about the universe.

Preserving humanity’s window to the universe

Many of the world’s darkest regions are now protected through dark-sky reserves, national parks, and conservation initiatives. These efforts help ensure that future generations can continue to experience awe-inspiring views of the planets, stars, and galaxy. As light pollution continues to spread, these rare patches of darkness are becoming increasingly valuable, providing scientists with vital observing conditions and helping people maintain a direct connection with the night sky and the wider universe.

New Delhi: The Union of Indian Universities, already under the scanner over alleged financial and administrative irregularities, is now facing allegations of a potentially much bigger scam related to the certification of players, with AIU president Vinay Kumar Pathak alleging that deserving university athletes have been denied recognition and opportunities for years through systemic manipulation within the administration.Pathak, who initiated disciplinary action following the controversy over India’s participation in the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games in Germany, claimed that vested interests were opposing efforts to clean up the system. “This action has shaken up the corrupt practices. There is a need for further investigation into the certification scam, which has kept meritorious sportspersons away from Indian universities for a long time,” Pathak told TOI.Immediate disciplinary proceedings were initiated against AIU Joint Secretary Baljit Singh Sekhon, who was suspended for lapses related to the World University Games. In a memorandum dated 13 April, the AIU had said that the selected athletes, “including six badminton players and some athletics participants” were not included in the official entry list within the stipulated deadline, leading to denial of recognition despite traveling to the venue and being excluded from the competition.The memorandum described the episode as reflecting “gross negligence, lack of due diligence and failure to discharge assigned responsibilities”. An investigative committee later concluded that Sekhon “is responsible for most aspects of the mismanagement reported at FISU WUG 2025” and cited “negligence in duties, failure to discharge duties, breach of responsibility, irresponsibility, carelessness, failure to act, lapse in judgment”.The scope of the investigation extended beyond procedural flaws in the games. The committee recommended vigilance investigation into “suspicious financial credit transactions” and investigation into foreign travel undertaken by officials in the last two years. Pathak said the investigation has exposed deep institutional irregularities.In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana in connection with a PIL alleging serious violations of bylaws and challenging his continuation as AIU president, Pathak said he launched a clean-up drive soon after assuming office and constituted high-level committees to probe “deep institutional irregularities”.According to the letter, disciplinary action was taken following the findings of these committees, including dismissal of Gaurav Rai, sending Binu George Varghese back to his parent institution and suspending Sekhon pending investigation. Pathak alleged that the PIL was part of a vindictive attempt to derail the disciplinary proceedings. He argued that the Education Ministry’s status quo order applied not only to the post of the President but also to the General Council and other AIU bodies during the restructuring phase, yet only the continuity of the President was targeted.The panel also recommended professionalization of youth affairs and sports administration, structured collaboration with the Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India and promotion of inter-university leagues and international participation programmes. “If the certification and selection over the past few years is properly examined, many shocking facts may emerge,” Pathak said.

Tensions in West Asia rose sharply on Monday as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted a US military base, while Washington also announced new attacks on Iranian military facilities.The location of the base was not specified in the Guards’ statement, which was broadcast by IRIB and other Iranian state media.The development came as Kuwait’s military said its air defense system was responding to drone and missile attacks. “Kuwaiti air defenses are currently facing hostile missile and drone attacks,” the military said in a post on Twitter. It said any explosion sounds heard by residents were the result of air defense systems intercepting incoming threats and advised people to follow safety and security instructions.

Latest US attacks in Iran

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted self-defense strikes against Iranian radar and command-and-control sites used for drones in what it described as “aggressive Iranian actions.”According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted radar and drone control facilities on Goruk, Iran, and Qeshm Island. The operation was carried out on Saturday and Sunday (local time) after it was reported that an American MQ-1 drone operating in international waters was shot down.CENTCOM said U.S. warplanes responded “swiftly” to the incident, destroying “Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two unilateral attack drones”, which it said posed a “clear threat” to ships transiting territorial waters.The command described the operation as “measured and deliberate” and insisted that it was carried out in self-defense.“No U.S. service members were harmed,” CENTCOM said. He said he would “continue to protect U.S. assets and interests in response to unjustified Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.”

Iran has disputed the US account of events. The IRGC said its air defense units shot down a US MQ-1 drone early Sunday after it reportedly entered Iranian territorial airspace, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.The drone was detected by Iranian surveillance and air defense systems and subsequently targeted by advanced air defense missiles, the statement said. Iranian officials claimed that the aircraft was successfully destroyed.The IRGC identified the drone as US military and said it was shot down because it had entered Iranian airspace “with the intention of carrying out hostile operations.”

The latest development comes days after another exchange of attacks between the two sides. The IRGC had earlier said it had targeted a US air base in the region following fresh US attacks on southern Iran.The Iranian missile launch came after the US shot down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz and attacked a military site in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city in southern Iran.The IRGC said the attack on the US airport occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning and targeted “the source” of earlier US attacks on Iran, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

Diplomacy continues amid tension

The renewed military exchanges have raised concerns about the sustainability of a fragile ceasefire, even as Washington and Tehran continue indirect talks on a potential deal to end the three-month-long conflict.US War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that military action could resume if an agreement fails to meet Washington’s requirements.“Our reserves are well suited for this,” Hegseth declared during an address in Singapore.President Donald Trump has reportedly sent back a separate proposed deal with Iran for further amendments. The US President also said he was in “no hurry” to finalize a deal. According to Axios, as cited by CBS News, Trump sought several amendments during Friday’s meeting and sought additional amendments afterward.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged caution on reports related to the talks, saying, “Until there is a conclusion… everything that is being said now is speculation.”Iranian media reported that diplomatic talks were ongoing, with both sides continuing to propose changes to the draft agreement.

Meanwhile, Iran has restored access to a significant portion of its underground missile infrastructure after months of excavation and repair work, according to a CNN report. The report said the development highlighted “the limitations of the American bombing strategy”, which had focused on sealing tunnel entrances.The latest military action has raised fears that the ceasefire could collapse despite ongoing diplomatic efforts with Qatar and other regional players.

Dave Fiji and his wife Jessani (Image/X@ATLNewsFirst)

An Indian-origin pilot has died in a helicopter crash just hours after marrying his long-time partner in the US, turning a joyous wedding celebration into a tragedy. The helicopter pilot also lost his life in the accident, while the bride survived and is recovering in hospital.Dave Fizzy and his wife Jessani boarded a Robinson R66 helicopter after their wedding ceremony in Dawsonville, Georgia on Friday night. According to Atlanta News First, the helicopter was headed to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport as part of a special farewell held after the wedding. However, shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed in a densely forested area near the wedding venue.About 400 guests attended the couple’s wedding at The Revere in Dawsonville.Recalling the celebration, Dave’s father George Fiji said that his son was very happy on his wedding day.He said, “My son was very happy. I was standing there looking at my son and admiring him. He was looking very handsome.”According to family members, Dave and Jason met through church connections in South Carolina and Georgia before their friendship eventually blossomed into a relationship. George described the couple as, “Friends who decided to become life partners.”The helicopter crashed before reaching its destination, following which a major search operation was launched in the forested area.George Fiji said it took several hours for rescue teams to locate the wreckage. “It took them a while to locate the helicopter,” he said.According to the family, Jessani was trapped inside the debris for nearly six hours before emergency responders found her.Describing the heartbreaking scene narrated by his daughter-in-law, George said Jessie realized her husband had died next to her.He said, “When she woke up she saw my son Dave resting on her chest. She saw blood on him and by then his body was completely cold. She’s a nurse, so she knew he was gone.”George said Jason was hit and bruised but survived without any broken bones. “She’s broken, but she’s recovering,” he said.Dave Fiji dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood and later fulfilled that ambition by joining Delta Air Lines as a first officer, according to his father.Before the helicopter took off, George said his son had expressed concerns about deteriorating weather conditions and poor visibility.“Since my son was the pilot, he told the pilot there was zero visibility and when there’s zero visibility like this, we never fly,” George said.According to George, Jesse later told him that the helicopter pilot responded by saying they would fly at a higher altitude.The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident and has not yet determined the cause of the accident.As the family mourns the passing of Dave Fiji, George said his Christian faith is helping him cope with the tragedy.He said, “Without God there would be many questions – why? God gave us a perfect marriage, and in a matter of hours everything turned into tragedy. The only place we can find answers and peace is in God.”

Rajat Patidar (BCCI/IPL Photo)

New Delhi: When emotions, cheers and roars echoed around the Narendra Modi Stadium Rajat Patidar The move was stepped up for the post-match presentation after Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched their second consecutive IPL title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.RCB, which won its maiden IPL title in Ahmedabad in 2025, successfully defended the title a year later, becoming only the third franchise after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to achieve the feat. The victory also extended the streak of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine consecutive seasons. The win put Patidar in elite company, making him the third captain in IPL history to win two consecutive titles.MS Dhoni achieved the feat with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011, while Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to glory in 2019 and 2020.The moment he won the title, Patidar took to social media and expressed the achievement in four words.Patidar wrote, “Ee Saala Cup Namdu”.Reflecting on the campaign, Patidar admitted that the pressure this season was very different from what the team experienced a year ago.“Last year was a lot of pressure, this year was more calm because the way we played throughout the tournament, we dominated this year,” Patidar said after the match.“So we were confident that if we play like this we will definitely win the second title for RCB.”Speaking about his captaincy style, Patidar said that his calm nature should not be confused with lack of awareness.“I am not expressive but at the same time I am aware of the playing situation. Of course you need support, which as I said was a lot of support by the management and the players as well.”

Patidar also gave special praise Virat KohliHe said that the former captain’s influence on and off the field continues to inspire the team.Kohli played an unbeaten inning of 75 runs while chasing RCB’s target of 156 runs against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and led the team to victory with two overs to spare.The star batsman finished the season with 675 runs, which included one century and five half-centuries.“If I speak about Virat Kohli, I don’t have words to explain him. He is used to doing great things,” Patidar told reporters.“He is a great player, everyone knows him – the way he bats. We all get a chance to learn from him on and off the field. We spend a lot of time with him and try to learn everything he says about cricket or anything else,” the RCB skipper said.

Photo Credit: AP

Ukraine on Sunday rejected Russian claims that it had carried out a drone strike on the Russian-held Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, as both sides accused each other after fresh attacks amid the ongoing war.The denial came after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said a drone attacked the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, citing information from the facility’s Russian-established operator. On Saturday, a drone hit the turbine building, “reportedly leaving a hole in its wall”, according to the operator.Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhia, was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the 2022 invasion and remains near the front line in southern Ukraine.Russia’s government nuclear energy company Rosatom has accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev said, “This afternoon, a Ukrainian kamikaze combat drone attacked the turbine hall building of power unit No. 6, resulting in an explosion.” He said the main equipment of the plant was not damaged.Kyiv immediately denied the allegation, with Ukraine’s military calling it “another propaganda ploy”. It said it neither attacked nor targeted the facility and stressed that it understood “the consequences of any action targeting nuclear facilities” and adhered to international humanitarian law.“In the relevant part of the front line, there was no active fighting at the time of the incident, and no weapons were used,” the army said.Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the allegation, saying it lacked “logic”.“It is not clear why Ukraine would attack its own nuclear power plant located on its own territory, which it itself wants to acquire under its sovereign control,” the ministry said.IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi expressed “grave concern” over the reported attack and reiterated the need to protect nuclear facilities during conflict.“There should be no attacks of any kind on behalf of or against the plant,” Grossi said. “Attacking nuclear sites is like playing with fire,” he said.Ukraine’s state nuclear supervisory agency said the reported damage should be independently verified by IAEA experts deployed to the plant as part of the agency’s long-term monitoring mission.The Zaporizhia facility has remained a focal point of concern throughout the war, with both Moscow and Kiev repeatedly accusing each other of attacks around the site, raising fears of a possible nuclear accident.The incident came as Ukraine and Russia reported fresh attacks overnight.Russian officials said drone debris caused a fire at a fuel storage facility in the Rostov region, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Damage to civilian infrastructure was also reported in the Saratov region. Independent Russian outlet Astra reported that a fire broke out at an oil refinery in the regional capital, according to the AP.Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 212 of the 299 drones launched by Russia overnight. It said 14 drones reached their targets, while debris fell at five locations.Russian drone strikes also hit the city of Dnipro and an oil refinery in Ukraine’s Rivne region, causing fires. Rivne regional governor Oleksandr Koval said no injuries were reported at the refinery.

New Delhi: The government is considering cutting the list of vehicles exempted from toll payment on national highways, and vehicles belonging to senior central and state government officials are likely to be taken out of the “exempted category”, TOI has learned.A high-level committee constituted by the Central Government has recommended the Road Transport Ministry to amend the National Highway Fee Rules to “eliminate the exempted category”. Officials said the proposal is under discussion with various stakeholders and there is a possibility of reducing the exempted category of vehicles in a systematic manner.“The proposal to start this exercise is under active consideration with the government authorities. The focus is on ending VIP culture as it does not appeal to common citizens,” said a person aware of the development. The Road Transport Ministry has written to various government institutions and states to motivate their employees to purchase Fastag annual passes instead of asking for discounts. “They can work out a mechanism to reimburse the amount of Fastag annual pass, which is much less than reimbursement of mobile phone bills,” he said. Discussions are also going on with the defense forces,” said an officer.At present, vehicles transporting people working in 25 public offices and accompanying them are exempted from paying toll. Vehicles used for official purposes by central and state armed forces in uniform, including defense personnel, paramilitary forces, executive magistrates, fire departments, inspection of highway projects and emergency purposes (ambulances, funeral vans) are also exempted from paying toll.‘Exempt FASTags’ are issued by IHMCL under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to vehicles legally exempted from paying toll charges. Even if these vehicles do not pay toll, they must still have a valid exempted FASTag.People involved in the discussions said that with the implementation of the Fastag annual pass, people can now buy it online and get reimbursement of the amount from their respective department. With an annual pass of Rs 3,075, a vehicle can cross 200 toll plazas, costing a little more than Rs 15 per plaza, and can be renewed multiple times in a year.

Virat meets Vaibhav (Image: X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defend their IPL crown, and win back-to-back titles with no help from anyone else Virat Kohli Sealing the win with a trademark six. As the celebrations began, the most heart-touching moment of the night came when Kohli met 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenager who not only broke records this season but also etched his name in IPL history.It was a night that belonged to two of the biggest stars of IPL 2026, one who led his team to glory and the other who enthralled the cricket world with a dream season. After RCB’s win, Kohli was seen congratulating Vaibhav, who rocked the awards ceremony by winning the Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, Super Sixer of the Season, Orange Cap and Most Valuable Player awards. Kohli also had a lot to celebrate. The RCB veteran was named the player of the match after his match-winning unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, completing the chase with a six to spark wild celebrations among the Bengaluru faithful.After the presentation ceremony, Kohli and Vaibhav were seen having a light-hearted conversation on the field, which was one of the most memorable images of the season. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore continued their dominance and won back-to-back IPL titles by defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.GT scored 155/8 in their 20 overs, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack kept the dangerous batting lineup in check. Despite a few late boundaries, Gujarat never managed to build significant partnerships and finished with a lowly score. In reply, RCB chased the target with ease and reached 161/5 in just 18 overs. Virat Kohli started the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 75 off 42 balls and ensured there were no late interruptions. His innings proved decisive as RCB crossed the finish line with two overs to spare and sealed their second consecutive IPL title.

The win further cemented RCB’s position as the team to beat in the tournament, while GT finished as worthy runners-up after an impressive campaign under skipper Shubman Gill.

television actor Parth Samthaan Recently shared a heart touching post for comedian and actor. Krishna Abhishek Parth with the actress after visiting the sets of Laughter Chefs: Unlimited Entertainment Season 3 Deepika Singhrecently shot for the popular reality show and gave fans a glimpse of their fun time on set through a series of behind-the-scenes photos.While sharing the pictures, Deepika did not say anything except praising Krishna. Calling him one of the rare talents in the entertainment industry, she wrote, “In our industry, there are many good actors, but combining that talent with a kind and pure soul is a deadly combo.. @Krishna30 Baba you were amazing as always… Cheers.” Her heartfelt words instantly caught attention and showed the strong bond she had with the comedian during the shoot.Parth also wrote a special note for Krishna, praising him. Describing him as an extraordinary artiste and an even better human being, Parth wrote, “Krishna is an amazing actor. We first met during an awards ceremony in Kolkata in 2020 and clicked instantly. Great talent across TV, films and web. Amazing listener with knowledge and warmth. Our ‘Sheela Ki Jawaani’ dance + Laughter Chef’s act = pure entertainment.”The post immediately caught the attention of fans, who loved seeing the camaraderie between the actors. Many users flooded the comments section with heart emojis and appreciation posts. Many fans agreed with Parth and Deepika’s description of Krishna, and described him as one of the most entertaining personalities on television. One fan wrote, “Krishna deserves all the love,” while another commented, “Two pure souls appreciating another pure soul.Many expressed excitement over Parth’s appearance on the show and said that they cannot wait to watch the episode.Fans were particularly surprised by Parth’s mention of her “Sheela Ki Jawaani” dance performance, with many users requesting to see more glimpses from the set. Others praised the chemistry shared by the stars and said the photos perfectly captured the fun atmosphere of the show.Currently, Laughter Chefs 3 continues to entertain audiences with a mix of comedy, cooking challenges and celebrity pranks. This season includes popular names like Krushna Abhishek, Kashmira Shah, Elvish Yadav, Karan Kundra, Tejasvi Prakash, Aly Goni, Jannat Zubair, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jurel and other popular names.