A Guide to Neopian Stargazing

     In this guide, we’ll discuss which sites are better for Neopian stargazing than others so you can be sure that when you set out, you’re getting the best of the best. If you want to stargaze, there are definitely some places in Neopia that will give you a better view than others. I’ve listed every land below, along with my rating of the starry views they can provide to the avid gazer.

     Get out your star charts, dust off your telescope, and gaze along!

     Altador

     Perhaps Neopia’s most famous stargazing site, Altador is a great place for lying back and gazing at the stars. Finneus is still around to assist constellation hunters in picking out the sky’s most famous patterns, but visitors are also encouraged to find their own constellations and create their own stories, too! (Rating: 9/10)

     Brightvale

     Brightvale’s skies are as bright as the name suggests, and this is a great place to come and gaze if you’re new to the hobby, since many researchers from Brightvale University can be found with telescopes pointing upward on clear nights. However, this means the crowds can be denser here than elsewhere. This is still a good option when the land isn’t so grey and glum as it is now. (Rating: 6/10)

     Faerieland

     Faerieland’s views were admittedly better before it fell, but the wide-open skies are only broken by the tall towers of Faerie City, so there is still plenty of space for stargazing here. Some of the cloud remnants can get in the way, so it’s not always a guaranteed spot, but the shooting stars here are unbeatable. We recommend gazing from the top of one of these towers for an extra-good view — especially if you can find your way to the Hidden Tower. (Rating: 7/10)

     Haunted Woods

     It’s difficult to see much here because of the thick tangle of tree branches that obscure much of the sky. More than that, some of the spooky happenings in these woods and among the crowds at the Deserted Fairground will make you want to avoid turning your attention up for too long. We recommend going elsewhere. (Rating: 2/10)

     Kiko Lake

     Kiko Lake would be an ideal place for stargazing if the lights from the lands it’s sandwiched between didn’t detract from some of the views. We’ve also had the experience of being hassled for Altador Cup donations here by Team Kiko Lake, which also makes gazing less than ideal. Still, the reflection of the skies in the still water of the lake is gorgeous, which helps our recommendation somewhat. (Rating: 4/10)

     Krawk Island

     Krawk Island’s beaches are great for stargazing, but the size of the island means that real estate is slim. Avid combers of beach treasure and enthusiastic Food Club crowds may detract from some of the quiet serenity of stargazing here, too. We recommend this only for the pirate-hearted among us who can’t bear to go anywhere else when they turn their eyes upward. (Rating: 5/10)

     Kreludor

     An absolutely perfect spot. Where is better for stargazing than on Neopia’s moon? Our rating is slightly dimmed because of its accessibility – not every Neopian wants to make a trip into outer space, which is very understandable – but for the serious stargazers among us, this is an absolutely must-do if you’re craving some time with the stars. (Rating: 10/10)

     Lost Desert

     The lack of trees, mountains, and tall buildings in the Lost Desert make it a great place to watch the stars, particularly as there isn’t much light in either Sakhmet or Qasala to stand in the way. However, the desert does get deceptively cold at night, so before you pack up your stargazing equipment and head this way, be sure to pay attention to the Neopian weather forecast and prepare yourself appropriately. (Rating: 9/10)

     Maraqua

     Listen, we’ve tried — but stargazing is nearly impossible here. Too much water and not enough sky. If you want to say you’ve watched the stars in every land in Neopia, stop on by, but don’t be surprised if the watery depths make it hard to make out anything other than bubbles. (Rating: 1/10)

     Meridell

     For those who want the clear skies of Brightvale without all of the academic interference, we suggest Meridell as a great alternative. However, we still can’t recommend it in good faith this year because of the grey curse, so we’ll rate it similarly to its counterpart. Maybe this is one to stop by a little later on. (Rating: 6/10)

     Moltara

     Moltara suffers from the exact same problem as Maraqua: too much beneath the surface means not enough sky to see by. Moltara’s rating is slightly improved only because if you squint really hard, you can pretend the lanterns are stars. Otherwise, you can skip this one. (Rating: 1/10)

     Mystery Island

     Similarly to Krawk Island, the Mystery Island beaches are great stargazing spots, and this land features far less risk of pirate invasion in the middle of you peering through your telescope and hoping to spot constellations. For those among us who love the sea as much as the stars, this spot is great for stargazing! (Rating: 8/10)

     Neopia Central

     All of the hustle and bustle of traffic in Neopia’s main city means that stargazing here is a bit trickier than elsewhere. Between the shops, the Wishing Well, the Money Tree, and the Rainbow Pool, it’s a bit too bright and busy to really settle in stargaze here. Doing so is definitely possible, but there are better places to go. (Rating: 3/10)

     Roo Island

     Roo Island fares better than nearby Neopia Central as far as traffic and city lights go, so if you’re in the area for shopping and want to tack stargazing on to the end of a busy day, this would be a great spot. However, the jangle and lights of the Games Room can still be distracting for the more serious stargazer. (Rating: 6/10)

     Shenkuu

     Shenkuu’s mountains would make a great spot for stargazing – if they weren’t plagued by mist. If getting high up is your goal, stop on by, but perhaps there are better mountainous lands (such as the next one in this list) to visit in your quest for the stars. (Rating: 4/10)

     Terror Mountain

     Terror Mountain will bring you as close to the stars as you can get with your feet still on the ground, and the swirling colours of the aurora borealis only enhance the stargazing. However, the cold is not for the faint of heart – dress warmly and pack some hot chocolate if you want to gaze here! (Rating: 8/10)

     Tyrannia

     Theoretically, Tyrannia is a great place to stargaze. Without much in the way of trees once you climb to the top of the plateau, starry views abound, but try and do it on a day when there aren’t any concerts jamming out at the Concert Hall. You’ll also have to contend with that permanent eggy smell from one infamous Giant Omelette… (Rating: 5/10)

     Virtupets Space Station

     As another space-inhabiting land, we’d recommend the Virtupets Space Station as an almost perfect stargazing spot if the memory of Dr. Sloth didn’t make it so unpleasant to be here. There is certainly no danger to be had at the space station these days, but if you’re going to join the stargazers in outer space, Kreludor is the better bet. (Rating: 8/10)