Stargazing consists of gazing and identifying stars and it is done all around the world. You need a dark sky to see stars and there is a group interested in dark skies. Children through adults have interest and passion for stargazing.
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 as a non-regulatory and voluntary program. These voluntary groups were:
- Communities
- parks
- management of already protected areas.
Their goals were to:
- preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies
- environmentally responsible outdoor lighting policies (Stars Up, Lights Down)
- Public Education
An International Dark Sky Association exists. Their Mission is also the same as the Program above.
Dark Sky Places
There were 22 countries on 6 continents listed! Over 30 locations in their list: only 1 had lodging; 45 were communities; 119 parks; 21 reserves; 18 sanctuaries and 1 Urban Night Sky Place. Some utilized telescopes on the total of over 160,000 sq. km. of protected lands and night skies. The following sites piqued my interest and I added Remi Boucher, A Dark Sky Advocate from Canada in our “trip around the world.” Enjoy!
South Africa: !Ae! Hai Kalahari Heritage Park
These are six farms of 35,000 ha., south of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. A joint management Board preserves cultural/traditional knowledge of Khomani San and Mier communities. The Dark Sky Sanctuary improves their economy and opportunities for stargazer visitors.
Japan: Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture
Water surrounds the Yaeyama Islands at the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is in the East China Sea, 270 km east of Taiwan and preserves the only rainforest in Japan. It is a refuge for plants, animals and living coral. Great effort of governments, civic organizations and interested citizens enhance tourists’ activities. Using preservation and protection guidelines, dark skies opportunities continue into the future.
Spain: Albanya, Alt Emporda Girona, Cetalonia
This municipality is a rural setting surrounded by lands that contain the headwaters of the La Muga River located in extreme Northeastern Spain. Astro-tourism consists of stargazing and nighttime interpretive programs which are offered at Bassegoda Park. Other opportunities for self-directed stargazing are available. July 2017 saw the park offer a new 40 cm. telescope dedicated to public education and outreach. New moon and astronomical twilight views are available.
Scotland: Glenlivet Estate of Crown Estate, Scottish Highlands
This Estate in Scottish Highlands is within the Cairngorms National Park. Additional lands, private and other, form Tomintoul and Glenlivet-Cairngorms International Dark Sky Park. (Moray Council District.) The Park consists of:
- protected dramatic landscape
- upland plateaus
- rare species, including reindeer and the trees of the Caledonian Forest (an ancient Temperate rain forest)
- (eponymous) Scotch whiskey production
- remarkable dark skies
Israel: Ramon Crater
Between Egypt and Jordan, one finds Israel’s Ramon Crater. It is a 1,100 sq. km. nature reserve in the Negev Desert of southern Israel. This is an example of a makhtesh, a form unique to this area. Harsh climate and forbidding landscape offers protection from settlers. Darker (with no lights) and usually good weather coupled with its dry climate draws stargazers. Management offers interpretive programs and opportunities for local communities to help and pursue stargazing.
Canada: Waterton Lakes National Park AND Montana: Glacier National Park
Continue your journey to the unusual duo of parks: the Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada and the Glacier National Park in Montana, U. S., both spanning the international border. They hold position in the Western Cordillera of North America. They both hold the distinction of being the world’s first International Peace Park. Very dark skies, relative isolation and rugged mountain terrain gives a home to rare species and ecologies. Dark skies is a current conservation priority within these two parks for the stargazers.
Rio de Janerio: Desengano State Park
This is the first park created by Rio de Janerio government. It contains dense ombrophilous forest, seasonal semi-deciduous forest and high mountain grasslands. 1,321 species, of which 58 are endangered, live there. 81 are endemic to this Park. Deep silence follows visitors on trails, waterfalls, climbs, birdwatching, adventure tourism, horseback riding and stargazing. The Milky Way is visible and full of light and color. TOTAL absence of artificial light!
Best location for motorized vehicles? Great for visitors who use the “Astronomical Program (by Inea). Another program is the “Outdoor Planetarium” held in an open amphitheater. Also, education opportunities exist for visitors. Open 24 hours daily! Santa Maria Madalena, RJ, 28770-000, Brazil
Canada: Dark Sky Advocate
Remi Boucher: Dark Sky Advocate at Mont-Megantic, Canada. Their catch line is: “From Earth to the stars on Mont-Megantic.” This is the world’s FIRST International Dark Sky Reserve. Remi has many hats to wear at this location:
- presenter and spokesman
- committee member
- information guru with educational and scientific outreach
- Webmaster of 10 years
- astrophotography
This short blog does not do him or Mont-Megantic justice. Enjoy his astrophotography of this magnificent treasure at remiboucherphoto.com
Thanks to all the passionate volunteers within the “Stargazing World.” Resources for this blog include Dark Sky Place Finder and https://darksky.org. Also, to remiboucherphoto.com for sharing his video, thanks!
Response Magic