News Release

International Dark Sky Week 2023

International Dark Sky Week will provide opportunities for visitors to view deep space objects and constellations.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 4, 2023

Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY – Mammoth Cave National Park invites you to celebrate International Dark Sky Week (IDSW) from April 15 -22 with ranger guided walks, talks, and special evening programs. The IDSW is an annual event that encourages people worldwide to turn off lights, enjoy the night sky without light pollution, and gain an awareness and appreciation of our dark skies. All IDSW events are weather dependent and free and open to the public with no tickets or reservations required. 

“Mammoth Cave National Park was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in 2021,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “We are very proud to have earned this recognition and are committed to preserving the beauty of the night sky and sharing it with the public through our special ranger led programs held during IDSW and beyond.”

During the IDSW programs visitors can view deep sky objects and constellations through telescopes, take a nighttime walk on a park trail to learn about nocturnal wildlife, and even get a closer look at our nearest star, the Sun. Most of the programs will take place in the evening hours but there will be two daytime events during the week at the visitor center.

For a complete list of events, descriptions, and times, or to learn more about IDSW at Mammoth Cave National Park, please visit our International Dark Sky Week 2023 website.