“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. Sit quietly and listen for these creatures. Read more Sleep in your backyard on a starlit night. He is a playful, charming adult cat that is ready to warm the heart of his new owner during the cold winter months. The following, partial list of parks aims to give a head start in your search. One of many national parks located in the southwestern United … It’s nice to come and view the stars and forget about your worries and destress a little bit.”. | Add your comment, Never before has high school sports and performing arts been so poised to make a difference in our nation. An asterisk* denotes those parks certified by the International Dark Sky Association as dark sky destinations: If the full moon is up, the Milky Way will be hard to see. 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. Clear skies are a hallmark of New Mexico—even at nighttime. Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight and keep your flashlight turned off (but available for safety if needed). 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 … Can you find a light that only shines downward? Other parks also have night sky programs, so be sure to check with your park if you are interested. Cosmic California. The 2021 Dark Sky schedule at Dr. T.K. 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. 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. Use red paper or cellophane to cover a white flashlight. Most of Death Valley National Park. CASS COUNTY, MICH. — Stargazers, mark your calendars. It also includes locations suggested by various local authorities such as National Parks and AONB’s. 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). 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. NILES — A Niles man was arrested on drug charges Wednesday after the Southwest Drug Enforcement Team followed up on a tip of suspected narcotics ... ... International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Arizona. … Lawless Park must continue to have Dark-Sky friendly lighting, advocate for the night sky’s protection, have appropriate light readings and more. | Add your comment, DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College named 50 students to president’s list for the September-December 2020 fall semester. The International Dark Sky Association has recognized that Great Basin provides distinguished and significant opportunities to experience dark nights. Spot the International Space Station. SALT LAKE CITY — Three more Utah State Parks are now part of the International Dark Sky Association's network of prime stargazing sites. Because of the park’s high elevation, low humidity and remote location, stargazing is sensational here. Additionally, USA Today ranked Anza-Borrego Desert in the top 10 stargazing locations in … The Cass County Parks Department recently released its Dr. T.K. National Park Service Observatories and other useful night sky resources. 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. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah. Lawless Park is putting on as a part of its designation as an International Dark Sky Park and Michigan Dark Sky Preserve. What looks like a faint cloud is actually the light from millions and millions of distant stars. Read more Lawless International Dark Sky Park/Michigan Dark Sky Preserve 2021 stargazing schedule. Next time you are riding in a car, look closely at the outdoor lights. 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. These spots offer great views, and are accessible by any vehicle. The nighttime viewing schedule is a component of the ongoing educational programming Dr. T.K. 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. Jordanelle, Kodachrome Basin and Rockport State Parks … Lawless International Dark Sky Park/Michigan Dark Sky Preserve 2021 stargazing schedule. Devils River State Natural Area (Southwest Texas) Parks with very dark skies (Bortle Scale classes 1-3) Class 1 parks. 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. ... 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. 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. 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. 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. “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. Get away from the city lights and take in some of the best night sky views around! 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. Warm, amber colors are soft on the eyes. Wave after wave of deep canyons, towering mesas, pinnacles, cliffs and spires stretch across 527 square miles. Here are the best places in the state to go stargazing this summer. The stars shine brightly over many Texas state parks. Debatable! Other parks also have night sky programs, so be sure to check with your park if you are interested. 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. | Add your comment, Meet Gomez. ***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. “I think that is important, especially now during the pandemic and the political strife our country is going through. Check out these free stargazing tools: Star Map 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. Capulin Volcano National Monument To keep the title, Dr. T.K. These locations are specially designated because they have qualities that complement nighttime viewing, such as the ability to limit the amount of artificial light. The Cass County Parks Department first started hosting regular extended stargazing hours at the park in summer 2020. | Add your comment, Published 9:47 am Friday, January 15, 2021. Can you see the stars as well in your backyard with the porch light on? Utah has nine dark sky parks, plus the town of Torrey, a dark sky community. 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. Stargazing at the Grand Canyon, one of the most well-known Dark Sky Parks. The Cass County Parks Department recently released its Dr. T.K. 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. This will help you navigate at night without compromising your night vision! Michigan is lucky to play host to both dark sky preserves and parks that offer stellar celestial landscapes. The best places places for stargazing are along River Road, at the West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill and the Hoodoos. 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. Oracle is one of those special stargazing parks that offers up great night sky views throughout the year. It is not a comprehensive map of dark sites generally. Do some shine in your eyes more than others? Look for the Milky Way stretching across the night sky. 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. Students honored on president’s list must earn a ... This makes for epic stargazing… Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Grand Canyon National Park. Try different light bulbs, even different light fixtures, so that you can see the stars better. The International Dark-Sky Association designated Big Bend Ranch State Park a gold tier Dark Sky Park in 2018. 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. Read more Make a red flashlight. Many national parks offer night sky programs, from telescope astronomy events to full moon walks with rangers. Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park, which debuted just last year, has announced its night sky viewing dates for 2021. Glacier National Park (International Dark Sky Park) Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the … 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. If it wasn't for fifth-grade science, this would … Read more In 2007, the IDA began designating International Dark Sky Parks, or exceptionally dark sites surrounded by communities dedicated to preserving them. 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. These are the internationally-recognized dark-sky sanctuaries, reserves, and parks to visit for stargazing. 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. Dark Sky Map. Although the park itself is tiny, its position above a gooseneck in … 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. A whole new world comes alive at night and is waiting to be explored. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico. Sanctuaries & reserves are IDA-sanctioned sites that have the darkest skies for stargazing. 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. Dark Sky State Parks—Staunton River & James River. However, there are hundreds of other places, from small and accessible Dark … In 2021, Parrish is opening to double the number of visitors to the park during Dark Sky nights. The following, partial list of parks aims to give a head start in your search. We protect our pristine nighttime environment for scientific, recreational, and cultural values. Is it the best national park in America? April 5-10: As part of International Dark Sky Week, the park will remain open until midnight. Try going for a night hike instead! The map shows the locations of many of these dark sky sites. Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Emmet County, Mich. Our ambition is to make astronomy accessible to everyone. The Milky Way is our home galaxy and is best seen in summer and fall evening skies. 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. One is … These are places identified by the International Dark Sky Association as great locations to go stargazing. National Park Service Observatories and other useful night sky resources. August 11-12: To view the Perseid Meteor Shower, the park will remain open until midnight. For DIY stargazing, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks have both nurtured networks of dark-sky friendly accommodation. Watch the stars and planets move across the night sky. Here are some ideas to make your experience memorable: Night Sky Events Truth be told, this large stretch of the California desert is part of … Dark Sky Sanctuaries. “It has been wonderful to see so many people embrace [the Dark Sky Park],” Parrish said. 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. International Dark Sky Park Designation The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) vets these locations.. U.S. But is it the … Borrego Springs is one of eight international Dark Sky Communities, yet it is the first and only in California! Stargazing in Texas State Parks. 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