The Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, Death Valley, California

Death Valley's star appeal. Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California

This iconic view of the Milky Way from Zabriskie Point in California will draw crowds of photographers and tourists this weekend, as the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival begins. Death Valley National Park offers some of the best stargazing in the US and has been awarded the highest ‘gold tier’ rating by the International Dark-Sky Association.

The geology here is another star attraction. Zabriskie Point's terrain has played a role in movies from 'Spartacus' to 'Stars Wars' and the scenic overlook is featured on the cover of rock band U2's album 'The Joshua Tree.' Weather and water carved out these badlands over eons, resulting in colorful striped rock formations while the darker material on several peaks was formed by lava from an ancient volcanic eruption. All are best enjoyed under a stunning celestial lightshow afforded by some of the darkest night skies in the country.