CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Utahns have access to a dwindling, precious resource – darkness. Excess artificial light at night, or light pollution, obscures the Milky Way galaxy from more than 80% of humanity. With the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Places globally, Utah has become a world-class destination for those wanting to experience the night sky as their ancestors did – undimmed by light pollution’s glow.
Preserving dark skies does more than improve stargazing; astrotourism will generate nearly $6 billion and employ more than 113,000 people in the American Southwest over the next decade, according to the Utah Office of Tourism. Light pollution destroys wildlife habitat, is linked to myriad human diseases and wastes taxpayers’ billions on inefficient lighting systems. To address the growing threat of light pollution, a field has emerged that explores the public health, economic and environmental impacts of the disappearing dark.
The University of Utah is an international leader in this global movement. The U-based Consortium for Dark Sky Studies is the first academic center in the world dedicated to discovering, developing, communicating and applying knowledge pertaining to the quality of the night skies. The consortium facilitated an undergraduate minor in dark sky studies, the first of its kind in the U.S., which gives students opportunities to do research and make changes to their communities, such as advocating for dark sky-friendly lighting.
The Beehive State boasts 24 dark sky parks, communities and protected areas certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, an Arizona-based organization with a mission to protect naturally dark places for future generations. Download a beginner’s guide to dark sky exploration from the Utah Office of Tourism and start stargazing!
Here are some places to enjoy Utah’s starry nights.
Antelope Island State Park
Just 40 miles outside of Utah’s urban center, Antelope Island State Park’s night sky protection efforts have preserved breathtaking views of the Milky Way. From April to June, biting gnats can be all over the island. Call the visitor’s center to check whether they’re active.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument’s dry air and high elevation give way to crystal-clear starscapes after sunset. This dark sky-certified park offers stargazing programs throughout the summertime for pristine night skies far from any city lights.
East Canyon State Park
East Canyon State Park’s surrounding mountains block much of the light pollution from nearby cities, making it nearly 40 times darker than the skies in the Salt Lake Valley. Look to the east and straight up for the darkest experience.
Goblin Valley State Park
Frolic amongst the sandstone goblins beneath a celestial blanket of billions of stars. Goblin Valley is one of a dozen state parks that have worked hard to implement strict lighting ordinances and educational programming to be certified as an International Dark-Sky Park.
The Mighty 5
Tracts of public lands shield Utah’s five national parks from the glow of human-made light pollution and are all designated dark sky places. Take advantage of the excellent ranger-led tours, astronomy festivals, astrophotography workshops and other seasonal and year-long programming in Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion National Parks.
University of Utah’s South Physics Observatory
On clear Wednesday nights, Paul Ricketts, director of the University of Utah’s South Physics Observatory, hosts free star-viewing parties that are open to the public. Though Salt Lake City is not a dark sky destination, Ricketts and the U’s Department of Physics & Astronomy set up telescopes through which to view planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae and other astronomical objects from the roof of the South Physics Observatory building.
Check the observatory’s Facebook page for updates on the party’s weekly status and for additional programming, including guest astronomers presenting their latest research. The observatory is located at 125 S. 1400 East in Salt Lake City. Find more details here.
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