Protecting the Night

The night sky has inspired us for generations. Nighttime views and environments are among the critical park features the National Park Service (NPS) protects. Night sky protection enhances qualities of solitude and undeveloped wilderness character that animals depend on for survival, park visitors seek for connections, and many cultural-historical parks require for preservation. In this regard, the NPS recognizes a naturally dark night sky as more than a scenic canvas; it is part of a complex ecosystem that supports both natural and cultural resources.

A park ranger uses a green laser to point out celestial features to visitors.
Night Sky Footage

Many national parks offer spectacular night sky views. These videos showcase this wonder and related aspects of night sky protection.

Night sky view of Milky Way above Puebloan ancestral ruins.
Stargazing Spotlight: Chaco Culture NHP

Amidst an ancient landscape, visitors can experience the same dark sky that the Chacoans observed a thousand years ago.

Map of US, including Alaska and Hawaii, shows nights sky data collections sites
NPS Night Sky Data Collection Sites

Click above to access night skies collected data via an interactive map.

Last updated: March 7, 2024