Latest news with #InternationalDarkSkyPlace
USA Today
13-05-2025
- USA Today
Stargaze on landing: This US airport was just Dark Sky certified
Stargaze on landing: This US airport was just Dark Sky certified Show Caption Hide Caption Astronomy events to mark on your May calendar One of the most exciting stargazing events for the month of May include the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which will peak on May 5-6. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the first airport to be named an International Dark Sky Place. The airport replaced over 250 light fixtures to reduce light pollution, benefiting both stargazing and wildlife. The change supports Grand Teton National Park's efforts to preserve its naturally dark skies. The next time you fly into or out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you might want to book a window seat. The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) became a certified International Dark Sky Place earlier this month, the first airport to receive the designation, according to a news release. The facility's staff created a lighting management plan, upgrading and replacing exterior lighting – more than 250 fixtures so far – and working to reduce light spill from its terminal building. Along with enhanced stargazing in the surrounding Grand Teton National Park, the efforts will benefit wildlife that 'rely on the nocturnal environment to thrive,' per the release. JAC is the only commercial airport located in a U.S. national park. 'Grand Teton National Park is a place where people can still see planets, stars and be mesmerized by the Milky Way just by stepping outside,' Chip Jenkins, the national park's superintendent, said in the release. 'A night sky is a resource as valuable and awe-inspiring as seeing a grizzly bear or catching a fish in the Snake River. Protecting the night sky requires effort from all of us and we appreciate how the Jackson Hole Airport has embraced this work.' What is astrotourism? Why travelers are exploring dark skies While exterior landside and airside lighting is covered in the plan, lights on the airfield and ramp must comply with Federal Aviation Administration rules and are exempt from DarkSky requirements. In addition to establishing lighting guidelines for the airport, the plan complies with the International Energy Conservation Code and local ordinances. 'The (lighting management plan) also embraces DarkSky's five principles for responsible outdoor lighting: useful; targeted; low level; controlled; and warm-colored,' the release said. The International Dark Sky Places Program is voluntary and non-regulatory. The news comes after Teton County became the first county certified as an International Dark Sky Community in April. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
State parks working to reduce light pollution
(COLORADO) — On Wednesday, Jan. 22 Governor Jared Polis announced that 13 state parks across Colorado would work to reduce light pollution. The new program called the Colorado State Parks Dark Sky Certification program will work with Colorado nonprofit DarkSky Colorado to implement strategies that reduce light pollution. The goal according to the Governor's Office is to reduce light pollution and protect Colorado's stunning night skies for stargazers and dreamers. The program is also hoping to encourage visitor exploration of hidden gems in rural communities, provide educational opportunities, and promote off-season travel. Each state park will get 20 free hours of consulting from DarkSky Colorado to advance their efforts in achieving International Dark Sky Place certification. The state parks will also have the opportunity to get sky quality meter equipment supplied by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 'Reducing unnecessary light pollution saves energy, enhances stargazing tourism, and protects Colorado's breathtaking night skies for everyone. This new collaboration with DarkSky Colorado will help keep our star-filled skies clear for future generations of Coloradans and tourists to enjoy comets, constellations, and meteors,' said Governor Polis. The participating state parks include: Crawford Eleven Mile Elkhead Reservoir Golden Gate Canyon Highline Lake John Martin Reservoir Mueller Rifle Gap State Forest Steamboat Lake Sweetwater Lake Staunton Trinidad Lake 'Dark sky preservation is a growing priority statewide, and we're thrilled to be supporting these state parks in achieving reduced unnecessary light pollution,' said CPW Deputy Director Heather Disney Dugan. 'Through this program, participating areas will help lead the way in showing how tourism and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
