The Cass County Parks Department recently released its Dr. T.K. To help encourage more attendance, Parrish is hoping to add events on select weekends to augment the stargazing, such as musical acts, yoga sessions and astrophotography courses. These spots offer great views, and are accessible by any vehicle. Among other things, Headlands boasts 550 acres of woodlands and more than two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan at the northern tip of the state’s lower peninsula. August 11-12: To view the Perseid Meteor Shower, the park will remain open until midnight. Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight and keep your flashlight turned off (but available for safety if needed). This makes for epic stargazing… Devils River State Natural Area (Southwest Texas) Parks with very dark skies (Bortle Scale classes 1-3) Class 1 parks. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. Dark Sky State Parks—Staunton River & James River. However, there are hundreds of other places, from small and accessible Dark … Glacier National Park (International Dark Sky Park) Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the … Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah. In 2007, the IDA began designating International Dark Sky Parks, or exceptionally dark sites surrounded by communities dedicated to preserving them. It’s nice to come and view the stars and forget about your worries and destress a little bit.”. Read more International Dark Sky Park Designation The best places places for stargazing are along River Road, at the West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill and the Hoodoos. If it wasn't for fifth-grade science, this would … National Park Service Observatories and other useful night sky resources. Read more Next time you are riding in a car, look closely at the outdoor lights. One of many national parks located in the southwestern United … Lawless International Dark Sky Park/Michigan Dark Sky Preserve 2021 stargazing schedule. The International Dark-Sky Association has given a hat tip to five destinations across the Land of Enchantment as top places to see dark, unpolluted skies. Warm, amber colors are soft on the eyes. The following, partial list of parks aims to give a head start in your search. Utah has nine dark sky parks, plus the town of Torrey, a dark sky community. The Cass County park achieved the designation last year from the International Dark-Sky Association, the leading organization combating light pollution and the excessive use of artificial light worldwide. Read more Sleep in your backyard on a starlit night. If the full moon is up, the Milky Way will be hard to see. Debatable! Is it the best national park in America? Red Rock & Dark Skies: Stargazing the National Parks This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Lawless Park must continue to have Dark-Sky friendly lighting, advocate for the night sky’s protection, have appropriate light readings and more. An asterisk* denotes those parks certified by the International Dark Sky Association as dark sky destinations: Get away from the city lights and take in some of the best night sky views around! Try going for a night hike instead! The International Dark-Sky Association designated Big Bend Ranch State Park a gold tier Dark Sky Park in 2018. A lover of the night sky himself, Parrish said he would encourage everyone to attend at least one of the Dark Sky nights at the park this year to view the stars. To keep the title, Dr. T.K. Cosmic: relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from the Earth. Plan a trip and stick around for one of the many stargazing events that are hosted annually in this scenic southern Arizona location. The International Dark Sky Association has recognized that Great Basin provides distinguished and significant opportunities to experience dark nights. Can you find a light that only shines downward? The 2021 Dark Sky schedule at Dr. T.K. The map shows the locations of many of these dark sky sites. Staunton River State Park and James River State Park are two of only 81 parks in the world designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Our ambition is to make astronomy accessible to everyone. “It has been wonderful to see so many people embrace [the Dark Sky Park],” Parrish said. The Cass County Parks Department recently released its Dr. T.K. Many national parks offer night sky programs, from telescope astronomy events to full moon walks with rangers. ... Aug. 13-14: The park will remain open until 2 a.m. Sept. 10-11: The park will remain open until 2 a.m. Oct. 8-9: The park will remain open until 2 a.m. Nov. 5-6: The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 3-4: The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Dec. 14: To view the Geminids Meteor Shower, the park will remain open until midnight. Lawless International Dark Sky Park/Michigan Dark Sky Preserve 2021 stargazing schedule. Other parks also have night sky programs, so be sure to check with your park if you are interested. Read more The nighttime viewing schedule is a component of the ongoing educational programming Dr. T.K. During the weekends it was open in those months, Cass County Parks Director Scott Wyman estimated more than 1,200 visitors attended from as far as Missouri, Iowa and even England. Designated as New Mexico’s first dark sky park in 2010, Clayton Lake State Park is a Gold level International Dark Sky Park and has its own 14-inch Mead telescope. Some of them are obvious; Wales now has a network of International Dark Sky Reserves and Dark Sky Parks that astronomers have singled out as world-beating places to go stargazing. In 2021, Parrish is opening to double the number of visitors to the park during Dark Sky nights. Check out these free stargazing tools: Star Map National parks are great places to get to know the animals that are nocturnal—wildlife that is awake at night and asleep during the day. ***Please note we are currently experiencing technical issues with the interactive maps**** ***We are working diligently to resolve the technical issues with the interactive maps and restore full functionality**** This map shows the positions of locations designated as part of the International Dark Sky Places Program only. We protect our pristine nighttime environment for scientific, recreational, and cultural values. Lawless Park is putting on as a part of its designation as an International Dark Sky Park and Michigan Dark Sky Preserve. SALT LAKE CITY — Three more Utah State Parks are now part of the International Dark Sky Association's network of prime stargazing sites. This will help you navigate at night without compromising your night vision! But is it the … When you head out at night to stargaze, take your family or friends with you, be prepared for a cool night, and let your eyes adjust to the wonder above. Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Emmet County, Mich. Borrego Springs is one of eight international Dark Sky Communities, yet it is the first and only in California! In this quest, we invite you to explore a map that helps you find the best places to observe the night sky as well as a map of light pollution as a decision making tool. Students honored on president’s list must earn a ... “I think that is important, especially now during the pandemic and the political strife our country is going through. Make a red flashlight. Stargazing in Texas State Parks. National Park Service Observatories and other useful night sky resources. “No matter how you look at it, we are all made of ‘star stuff,’ and looking up at the night sky is a way to connect with our origins,” Parrish said. An asterisk* denotes those parks certified by the, Learn more about night sky friendly lighting, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. ... International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Sit quietly and listen for these creatures. Truth be told, this large stretch of the California desert is part of … The Milky Way is our home galaxy and is best seen in summer and fall evening skies. Oracle is one of those special stargazing parks that offers up great night sky views throughout the year. Sanctuaries & reserves are IDA-sanctioned sites that have the darkest skies for stargazing. It also includes locations suggested by various local authorities such as National Parks and AONB’s. Jordanelle, Kodachrome Basin and Rockport State Parks … Most of Death Valley National Park. The night skies feature very little light pollution, and star-gazing events are hosted every month of the year during the week of the new moon for the general public. May 14-15: The park will remain open until 2 a.m. June 11-12: The park will remain open until 2 a.m. July: During Michigan Dark Sky Awareness Month, the park will remain open until 2 a.m. every Friday and Saturday during July. Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park, which debuted just last year, has announced its night sky viewing dates for 2021. Stargazing at the Grand Canyon, one of the most well-known Dark Sky Parks. Spot the International Space Station. Grand Canyon National Park. Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. Here are the best places in the state to go stargazing this summer. Watch the stars and planets move across the night sky. CASSOPOLIS — Cass County 4-H youth still have time to apply for a scholarship that could give them a leg... read more, Cocaine, pistol discovered in search warrant on Phoenix Street in Niles, COVID-19 UPDATE: Berrien County reports one new COVID-19 death, Berrien County launching survey to investigate broadband connectivity, Cass County Fair announces 2021 book cover contest, COLUMN: High school sports, performing arts can play role in healing our nation, Three named finalists for Scholar-Athlete Award, COLUMN: Typical Lions make bad coaching hire, Honor Credit Union to award 23 high school seniors with $1,000 scholarship, Lewis Cass ISD to become Heritage Southwest ISD, Cass County 4-H encourages seniors to apply for scholarship, KAUFMANN: Redefining resolutions: Trash, treasure, dreams, HAVLICEK: Whitmer veto jeopardizes benefits, harms businesses, LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Past incident provides roadmap, LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Trump incited mob violence against our democracy, Michigan State Police hosts its annual Stuff a Blue Goose event, Southwest Michigan wineries adapt to continued mandates, Organizers call Hunter Ice ‘non-festival’ a success, Riverfront accommodations coming to downtown Niles, Small Shops to debut at The Grand LV this weekend, Niles yoga instructor offering outdoor winter session Sunday, Cass County Meals on Wheels workers save client from natural gas leak, Niles Township Board discusses e-bikes, public works equipment, COVID-19 UPDATE: Michigan reports 540,115 cases, 13,865 deaths, LEE celebrates MLK Day with virtual event, Cass County Probate Court urges public to prepare for vaccination of incapacitated family members, Bonine House to honor COVID-19 victims with light ceremony, Short notice of MDHHS orders creates hurdle for southwest Michigan restaurants, COVID-19 UPDATE: Cass County reports new COVID-19 deaths, LMC awards inaugural Spirit of MLK Spotlight honors, Now is the Time” Martin Luther King Jr. celebration week begins at LMC, SMC trustees give president positive first performance review. Try different light bulbs, even different light fixtures, so that you can see the stars better. One is … | Add your comment, Published 9:47 am Friday, January 15, 2021. It is not a comprehensive map of dark sites generally. These are places identified by the International Dark Sky Association as great locations to go stargazing. The following, partial list of parks aims to give a head start in your search. Clear skies are a hallmark of New Mexico—even at nighttime. Use red paper or cellophane to cover a white flashlight. Minnesota’s Only National Park Was Just Named One of the World’s Best Spots for Stargazing Minnesota’s Voyageur National Park was just named an International Dark Sky Park. NILES — A Niles man was arrested on drug charges Wednesday after the Southwest Drug Enforcement Team followed up on a tip of suspected narcotics ... | Add your comment, DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College named 50 students to president’s list for the September-December 2020 fall semester. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico. | Add your comment, Meet Gomez. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Because of the park’s high elevation, low humidity and remote location, stargazing is sensational here. These locations are specially designated because they have qualities that complement nighttime viewing, such as the ability to limit the amount of artificial light. Do some shine in your eyes more than others? Additionally, USA Today ranked Anza-Borrego Desert in the top 10 stargazing locations in … He is a playful, charming adult cat that is ready to warm the heart of his new owner during the cold winter months. Arizona. From an open field or park, find the Big Dipper.The last two stars in the cup of the Big Dipper point to the North Star, which is just a bit dimmer than the individual stars in the Big Dipper. April 5-10: As part of International Dark Sky Week, the park will remain open until midnight. These are the internationally-recognized dark-sky sanctuaries, reserves, and parks to visit for stargazing. Canyonlands National Parkis home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the … … | Add your comment, Never before has high school sports and performing arts been so poised to make a difference in our nation. The Cass County Parks Department first started hosting regular extended stargazing hours at the park in summer 2020. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) vets these locations.. U.S. Other parks also have night sky programs, so be sure to check with your park if you are interested. Home to three International Dark Sky Parks and one Dark Sky Sanctuary, the area has been designated for its exceptional starry night skies and nocturnal environment. During the nights on the schedule, the park, 15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, will be open late to allow stargazers to view the night sky. Look for the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. Although the park itself is tiny, its position above a gooseneck in … Cosmic California. Capulin Volcano National Monument CASSOPOLIS — Cass County stargazers will have many opportunities this year to view planets, constellations and more at a park dedicated to preserving naturally occurring dark skies, thanks to the Cass County Parks Department. Jan. 15-16: The park will remain open until 10 p.m. Feb. 12-13: The park will remain open until 10 p.m. March 12-13: The park will remain open until midnight. “After the success we had last year, we knew we wanted to bring back viewing nights at the park this year,” said Robert Parrish, Cass County Parks Board member and Dark-Sky advocate. Lawless Park includes the following dates and times: Parrish said if a weekend on the schedule is canceled due to weather, the parks department will work to host Dark Sky viewing the following weekend. An IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. Wave after wave of deep canyons, towering mesas, pinnacles, cliffs and spires stretch across 527 square miles. Here are some ideas to make your experience memorable: Night Sky Events An International Dark Sky Park since 2016, this park, a great destination both both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, is home to one of America’s darkest night skies. Dark Sky Map. For DIY stargazing, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks have both nurtured networks of dark-sky friendly accommodation. 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