The first planet to be discovered with a telescope was Uranus, which was found by Sir William Herschel in … [+]
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While the national parks in the United States offer many opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors, one particular activity cannot be undertaken under the sun until after sunset: star gazing. Free from the nuisance of light pollution, these prestigious parks allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the soft glow of the night sky and study the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies scattered throughout the universe.
Badlands National Park
The wastelands were covered by an ocean millions of years ago, leaving behind a great number of marine animals … [+]
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The indigenous Lakota, a particularly inhospitable region in the Great Plains, initially referred to the area as “Mako Sica” or “Land Bad” due to its searing temperatures and jagged rock towers that stretch as far as the eye can see. As of today, the park has risen to a full 180 in terms of reputation and has earned national recognition for its breathtaking views and the large number of wildlife that range from tiny prairie dogs to American bison. Located about fifty miles east of South Dakota’s largest city, the Badlands are hardly polluted by light from human civilization. This provides ample opportunity to capture incredible photos of the Milky Way.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere.
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This sprawling wetland in Floridian is perhaps best known for its towering cypress trees, tangled mangroves, and large alligator population. However, the Everglades are also a spectacular destination to peer into the dark darkness of the night sky in search of constellations. If you’re staying in the bustling metropolis of Miami nearby, be sure to take a ranger-led full moon bike tour before returning to your hotel in the Depths of the Conservation Area.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes was a National Monument from 1932 to 2004 when Congress deemed it … [+]
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This iconic park is located on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado and is home to the highest sand dunes in the country. Some are 750 feet tall. During the day, visitors can hike, sandboard, or hike on horseback on the nature reserve’s trails, but this certified Dark Sky Park shines in the middle of the night. The high altitude and dry air of the park create the perfect conditions for cloudless nights, so that explorers can discover comets and countless twinkling stars during a new moon or hike through the dunes without a flashlight when the moon is full.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend was declared a national park on June 12, 1944.
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Big Bend is home to some of the darkest skies in the adjacent United States. Because of its low light pollution, Big Bend is a truly breathtaking destination for anyone looking for rare celestial bodies in the night sky. While the Hot Springs Canyon Trail and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail are great spots for stargazing, that’s not all the region has to offer. Visitors can drive two hours north to Fort Davis to the McDonald Observatory, a facility operated by the University of Texas Astronomy Department. Equipped with four high performance telescopes, this is the perfect destination for those who want to learn more about the art of astronomy and its daily studies.
Shenandoah National Park
The highest point in Shenandoah National Park is Hawksbill Mountain, which is located at an altitude of … [+]
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Due to the high population density, the eastern areas of the United States tend to have fewer opportunities to escape light pollution, making Shenandoah National Park in Virginia a real gem for casual astronomers. After seeing the spectacular beauty at Blackrock Summit and White Oak Canyon, head to the Big Meadows at dusk to take in the beauty of the night sky. For all the younger space enthusiasts, plan a trip to Shenandoah’s annual Night Sky Festival in mid-August, a two-day event that sheds light on a variety of topics related to the cosmos.
