Stargazing and Meteor Showers in Mitzpe Ramon: The Guide to the Night Sky over the Makhtesh
Coming up for stargazing or the meteor shower in Mitzpe Ramon? Where to see stars in Makhtesh Ramon, how to prepare for a night in the desert, and where to eat and go out in town before and after the viewing.
Meetzpe Editorial6 min read
Makhtesh Ramon is not only a rare geological phenomenon by daylight. At night it becomes one of the best places in Israel for stargazing, and since 2017 the Ramon Crater Nature Reserve has been officially recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Thanks to the high altitude, the dry desert air and the very low light pollution inside the enormous bowl of the Makhtesh, you can see thousands of stars and the band of the Milky Way here with the naked eye, in rare clarity.
Whether you are coming especially for August's meteor shower (the Perseids), or you came up for a dark night in the middle of the year, here is everything you need to know to experience Mitzpe Ramon's night sky and combine it with a night out in town.
1. When and Where Is Best to See Stars in Mitzpe Ramon?
For optimal stargazing, pay attention to two things: the moon's date (the best nights are around the Hebrew new moon, when the moon is absent) and the distance from street lights:
- Going down into Makhtesh Ramon: As soon as you descend Ma'ale HaAtzmaut into the Makhtesh, the cliff walls block the town's light. Be'erot campsite, the HaMinsara area and Geves campsite are excellent spots to spread out a mat and look up.
- Guided star tours with telescopes and night tours: Dedicated astronomy guides operate in Mitzpe Ramon with high-powered telescopes — including Final Frontier Astronomy (Ori Kochavim), Tzlil Midbar, Starry Nights (Leilot Kochavim) and Naomi Bamidbar — alongside field operators such as Desert Time (Zman Midbar), Alen Desert Tours (Negevland), Noam Outdoors and Ramon Desert Tours. To combine the night sky with a desert night adventure, join a UV-flashlight scorpion safari with The Scorpion Man of Mitzpe Ramon or a night walk with Effie Perry – Desert Explorer.
- The August meteor shower (the Perseids): Every summer, around 12–13 August, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. In those days all of Mitzpe Ramon dresses up for the occasion with astronomy events, shows and night-time activities (see also our complete guide to Mitzpe Ramon in summer).
2. Before Heading Down to the Viewing: Where to Eat and Warm Up in Town
A good stargazing session usually starts at 21:00 or 22:00. The hours before are the perfect time for a good dinner or a drink in the Town Center and the Spice Route Quarter:
- A warming dinner before the desert: In the Spice Route Quarter enjoy a seasonal dinner and wine at BOTZ Restaurant, desert trattoria plates at Café TZIN or homestyle stews at HaKatze; in the Town Center rich Mediterranean food awaits at Sumsumyia alongside Italian stone-oven pizza at Paco ve Nany; and on the cliff edge Ramona Kosher Restaurant serves full dinners. To stock up on dried fruit, nuts and snacks for the crater, stop by the HaAgala Cooperative.
- Wine, beer or a show before (or after) the stars: Open the evening with a glass of wine at Midbar Wine, sit down for a draft beer at HaHavit (The Barrel), or drop in after the viewing for a late-night beer and live show at HaBerech Pub and Rehem or at the Jazz Club.
- Staying for the next morning? Don't miss the morning after the viewing with warm pastries from Lasha or Man Desert Patisserie (home to the Sansana boutique), and a relaxed coffee at Cafe Gina, HaRova Café, UMA or Backstage Art Cafe.
Looking for a guided stargazing session, or want to know which show is on tonight in town? Before you head out into the desert, open Meetzpe: there you will find night-time events, shows and nightlife spots in Mitzpe Ramon, and can check opening hours.
3. Three Golden Rules for a Successful Stargazing Night in the Makhtesh
- Bring warm clothes (even at the height of summer): At night the temperatures in Makhtesh Ramon plunge, and even in August it is best to arrive with a hoodie, a hat and a blanket or sleeping bag.
- Keep it completely dark (red light only): Your eyes need about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark before you can see the Milky Way. Don't switch on white torches or car headlights near other stargazers.
- Stock up in town beforehand: Take a thermos of hot tea or coffee and pastries from the quarter to turn the viewing into a perfect experience.
Heading up to see the stars in Mitzpe Ramon? Open Meetzpe now and discover events, shows and places waiting for you in town.