The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) recognizes places around the world where the night sky is preserved and protected from light pollution.
Booking.com want to shine a light on some of the best IDA-certified stargazing spots in the U.S., while reimagining what they may look like if they weren’t protected from light pollution.
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Home to the second largest natural bridge in the world, this national park is also one of the darkest parks in the southern United States, making it perfect for stargazing.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is one of the biggest and most remote national parks, located on the border of western Texas and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is also one of the least visited national parks, making it a great option for those wanting to avoid crowds.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an important archaeological area where you can find the densest concentration of Chacoan ruins (remnants of an ancient Native American culture). The park also supports the Chaco’s Night Sky Initiative, which combines the astronomy practices of the Chacoan people with modern approaches.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs State Park sits 700 metres above sea level in the largest undeveloped part of Pennsylvania’s Susquehannock State Forest. The park is open all year and has between 60-85 nights each year where stargazing conditions are ideal.
Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
Famous for its biodiversity (including black bears and panthers), Big Cypress National Preserve is importantly placed in between Miami, Naples and Fort Myers and creates a buffer that protects wildlife and clear black skies against land development.
You can find out more here: https://www.booking.com/articles/five-best-use-parks-for-stargazing.en.html
