NPS Graphic / IIC Intern W. Tonegates 
Image courtesy of Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians and NPS Pipe Spring is ideally set within a remote area with clean air and low light pollution, benefitting from very low housing and business developments in the area of the Monument. “We are very pleased to announce the designation of Pipe Spring National Monument as an International Dark Sky Park,” said IDA’s Executive Director, Ruskin Hartley. “This certification recognizes the exceptional quality of Pipe Spring’s night skies and their commitment to the cultural significance many of the native tribes in the region have for the night sky.” Pipe Spring is encompassed within the Kaibab Paiute Reservation boundaries, which is a certified International Dark Sky Community. The park was supported throughout the certification process by many park partners, including Zion Natl Park Forever Project and the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, the first International Dark-Sky Nation in the world. Over the years, Pipe Spring National Monument has been able to develop strong astronomy and dark sky interpretation programs. Events hosted by Pipe Spring include full Moon Ranger-guided hikes, annual star parties held in collaboration with the Southwest Astronomy Festival, planting a native garden according to the full moon cycle during monsoon season—a traditional method used by the Southern Paiute people, light pollution talks at the Kanab, UT library, a night sky board posted daily in the visitor center for the public to obtain information about the current night sky, and outreach to surrounding National Park Service groups to provide traditional and culturally concise information, specifically related to the local Southern Paiute people and their views of the cosmos. To learn more about the International Dark-Sky Association and their work to preserve night skies, visit https://www.darksky.org/ |
Last updated: July 24, 2022