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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ParkIonian Basin.
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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Dark Skies
Satellite image of the earth from space at night
NASA Photo
Dark skies are increasingly hard to come by in the United States. The more remote areas of the parks are one of the few relatively dark areas left in California.
 

For most people on earth, the dark skies our ancestors had have disappeared. The problem is urban sky glow, due mostly to too much bad lighting. This is also described as "light pollution." One solution to this problem involves improving our nighttime lighting. It would save us a great deal of energy (and money). The reduced use of energy reduces emissions which then helps clean our air.

For additional information, visit the International Dark Sky Association web site.

Walter Fry in NPS uniform  

Did You Know?
After spending five days with five men cutting down a single sequoia, Walter Fry counted the growth rings on the fallen giant. The answer shocked him into changing careers. In just a few days they had ended 3266 years of growth. Fry later became a park ranger and, in 1912, the parks' superintendent.

Last Updated: August 02, 2006 at 12:57 EST