WHERE IS IAU LOCATED?

With an ever-increasing number of light pollution across large swathes of the world, yearning for a place devoid of artificial light is a pursuit of many stargazers. Away from artificial lights' glare, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has been at the forefront of preserving pockets of natural darkness. Since the inception of the IDA in 1988, one of its key initiatives has been designating locations as International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs).

What Is the International Dark Sky Association (IDA)?

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. IDA advocates for the responsible use of artificial light and promotes the benefits of dark skies for human health, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

What Are International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs)?

International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs) are locations that have exceptional starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and/or cultural heritage. IDA recognizes IDSPs in three categories:

• Dark Sky Parks: These are public or private lands that are managed to preserve and protect the natural darkness.
• Dark Sky Reserves: These are private or public lands with dark night skies with significant educational and scientific resources.
• Dark Sky Communities: These are communities that have adopted lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution and preserve the dark night sky.

List of International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs) by Continent

1. Africa:

• Dark Sky Reserve:
  • N/A

2. Asia:

• Dark Sky Reserve:
  • No information

3. Europe:

• Dark Sky Parks:
  • Lauwersmeer National Park, Netherlands
  • Exmoor National Park, United Kingdom
• Dark Sky Reserves:
  • Brecon Beacons National Park, United Kingdom
  • Galloway Forest Park, United Kingdom
  • Kerry International Dark-Sky Reserve, Ireland
• Dark Sky Communities:
  • Bortle Town, United Kingdom
  • Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
  • Sedona, Arizona, United States

4. North America:

• Dark Sky Parks:
  • Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico, United States
  • Death Valley National Park, California, United States
  • Great Basin National Park, Nevada, United States
• Dark Sky Reserves:
  • Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
  • Owens Valley, California, United States
• Dark Sky Communities:
  • Borrego Springs, California, United States
  • Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico, United States
  • Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah, United States

5. Oceania:

• Dark Sky Parks:
  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
• Dark Sky Reserves:
  • Warrumbungle National Park, Australia
• Dark Sky Communities:
  • Coonabarabran, Australia
  • Mudgee, Australia

6. South America:

• Dark Sky Parks:
  • El Leoncito National Park, Argentina
  • Paranal Observatory, Chile
• Dark Sky Reserves:
  • No information
• Dark Sky Communities:
  • No information

Frequently Asked Questions:

1- How many International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs) are there in the world?
As of 2023, there are over 190 IDSPs worldwide.

2- Where is the best place to see the stars in the world?
Some of the best places to see the stars in the world include the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Sahara Desert in Africa, and the Namib Desert in Namibia.

3- What is the difference between a Dark Sky Park, Dark Sky Reserve, and Dark Sky Community?
Dark Sky Parks are public or private lands managed to preserve and protect natural darkness. Dark Sky Reserves are private or public lands with dark night skies with significant educational and scientific resources. Dark Sky Communities are communities that have adopted lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution and preserve the dark night sky.

4- What can I do to help reduce light pollution?
There are many ways you can help reduce light pollution, such as using outdoor lights that are directed downward, turning off lights when you're not using them, and advocating for responsible lighting policies in your community.

5- Why is it important to preserve dark skies?
Dark skies are important for many reasons, including human health, wildlife, and cultural heritage. They also provide a sense of wonder and inspiration that is unfortunately becoming increasingly rare.