Since the dawn of man…
Man has looked up at the stars. The starry sky has brought many a question about who we are, where we come from and our purpose in the universe. As cities have become more populated, the rampant use of artificial light has destroyed one of our most precious and inspiring natural resources-the nighttime skies.
Fortunately, there are a number of people, including the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), who have come to realize how detrimental it is for us to address the impact that light pollution has on us as human beings and on our ecosystems. IDA seeks to preserve our view of the heavens and all that comes with it. One way that they hope to achieve this is through their International Dark Sky Program. This program provides certified designation to parks and public land throughout the United States that “possess exceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitats where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable as an important educational, cultural, and natural resource.”
As of today, there are a number of dark-sky parks throughout the world that have been designated by the IDA. The skies over these parks are dark enough to provide optimal viewing for astronomy lovers. These parks are publically or privately owned spaces that are protected for natural conservation and have implemented lighting conducive to star gazing.
The list includes:
Big Bend National Park: Texas
Chaco Culture National Historical Park: New Mexico
Cherry Springs State Park: Pennsylvania
Clayton Lake State Park: New Mexico
Copper Breaks State Park: Texas
Death Valley National Park: California
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Texas
Galloway Forest Park: Scotland, UK
Goldendale Observatory Park: Washington
Hortobagy National Park: Hungary
Hovenweep National Monument: Utah-Colorado
Mayland Community College Blue Ridge Observatory and Star Park: NC
Natural Bridges National Monument: Utah
Northumberland Park/Kielder Water Forest Park: Northumberland, England
Observatory Park: Ohio
Oracle State Park: Arizona
Parashant International Night Sky Province: Arizona
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