Finding Dark Skies: Escaping Light Pollution

Light pollution is a growing problem, but there are still places in the world where the night sky remains unobstructed. The International Dark Sky Places program, for example, certifies communities, parks, and protected areas that preserve dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. These sites can be found in 22 countries across 6 continents, with more than 160,000 square kilometers of protected land and night skies. Some of these locations include Cherry Springs State Park, Big Bend National Park, and a remote island in Lake Michigan. Outside of the United States, rural Tanzania is also mentioned as a place with very little light pollution.

Dark Sky Places

The International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program was created to encourage communities and protected places to adopt better lighting and implement effective public policy to reduce light pollution. The program certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.

Since Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001, over 200 places have been certified, with more than 160,000 square kilometres of protected land and night skies in 22 countries on 6 continents.

Some examples of Dark Sky Places include:

• Joshua Tree National Park
• Arches National Park, Utah
• Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Saguaro National Park, Arizona
• Tonto National Monument
• Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona
• Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
• Zion National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado
• El Morro National Monument, New Mexico
• Glacier National Park
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
• Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Buffalo National River
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina
• Aenos National Park, Greece
• AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Nature Reserves, Saudi Arabia
• Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
• Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

Stargazing in the US

Stargazing is a popular hobby, and there are many places in the US where stargazers can enjoy the night sky without light pollution.

One of the most well-known places for stargazing is the US Southwest, which includes the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Colorado Plateau, in particular, has been a mecca for astronomers and stargazers for decades, with famous observatories such as the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff was also named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001 by DarkSky International, which has since certified over 200 places. The International Dark Sky Places program recognizes communities, parks, and protected areas that preserve dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.

In addition to the Southwest, there are other places in the US that offer excellent stargazing opportunities. For example, Big Bend in Texas is known for its dark skies and is home to the McDonald Observatory, which offers public star parties and viewing nights.

When planning a stargazing trip, it's important to consider the timing as well as the location. A rare annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, will be visible from eight US states, making it an especially good time to plan a stargazing trip.

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a beginner stargazer, the US offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the night sky. With its diverse landscapes, dark sky communities, and world-class observatories, the US is a great place to connect with nature and experience the magic of a starry night sky.

Light pollution solutions

Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has severely harmful effects on the environment, wildlife habitats, and human health and quality of life. Light pollution is increasing by approximately 10% per year, and it is estimated that 60% of Europeans and 80% of Americans have never seen the Milky Way due to this.

The International Dark Sky Places program, established in 2001, certifies communities, parks, and protected areas that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. Dark Sky International also works with communities and professionals to establish codes and statutes that reduce light pollution, and educates the public on excessive artificial light's harmful effects.

• Education and awareness campaigns can promote responsible and sustainable lighting practices. By educating the public about the negative impacts of light pollution and providing information on sustainable lighting practices, communities can encourage individuals to take action.
• Using energy-efficient lighting sources, such as warm-colored LED lights, can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. LEDs have a longer lifespan and use less energy, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option.
• Proper placement and design of lighting fixtures can minimize glare, over-illumination, and light trespass. This includes using motion sensors and timers to reduce excessive lighting in public areas and turning off or dimming lights when not required.
• Collaboration between lighting designers, policymakers, and stakeholders can help develop and implement lighting standards and regulations that prioritize sustainability and responsible lighting practices.
• Implementing responsible lighting policies and public education can help preserve dark sites and protect ecologically sensitive areas.

International Dark Sky Parks

The International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program recognises communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. Dark Sky Places are within the dark-to-very-dark gradient, from national parks, observatories, and lands managed by non-governmental organisations, to villages and cities.

The program has certified more than 200 places since Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001. There are now over 160,000 square kilometres of protected land and night skies in 22 countries on six continents, and the list continues to grow.

Some examples of International Dark Sky Parks include:

• Joshua Tree National Park
• El Morro National Monument in New Mexico
• Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments
• Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada
• Great Basin National Park in Nevada
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado
• Tumacácori National Historical Park in Arizona
• Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) in Wales
• Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand
• Bükk National Park in Hungary

The IDSP program received the National Environmental Excellence Award in 2015. The program has also expanded to include categories like Dark Sky Communities and Urban Night Sky Places, bridging the gap between cities and protected areas.

Dark Sky Sanctuaries

Light pollution has harmful effects on streetlights, greenhouses, and satellites, among many other sources. Dark Sky Sanctuaries are the most remote and darkest places in the world, whose conservation state is most fragile. These sanctuaries are protected by Dark Sky Places (DSP), which is a program that certifies communities, parks, and protected areas that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.

The first International Dark Sky Sanctuary was the Gabriela Mistral Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Elqui Valley of Chile, designated in 2015. Some other Dark Sky Sanctuaries include:

• The Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary in New Zealand
• The Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the United States
• The Isle of Rum/Island of Rùm in the Hebrides off Scotland’s West Coast
• Eastern Lake County (Phase 1 of the proposed Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary)
• Arkaroola in Australia

These Dark Sky Sanctuaries provide a quality nighttime experience, allowing you to connect with nature at night and see a sky full of stars and, depending on the time of year, a view of the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Frequently asked questions