Exploring Night Skies

Ranger leads a full moon guided hike.
In some parks, night sky programs are the most popular ranger-led activity.

NPS/ Kevin Poe & Ron Warner

Many of the best dark night skies in the country are found over areas managed by the National Park Service. As light pollution encroaches more on our night skies, the public desires to see star-filled skies. Many park visitors have never experienced the unfettered views of a starry night sky and are surprised to witness such a beautiful sight. Others may come to parks specifically to enjoy stargazing through telescopes, walking among a natural nighttime scene, or camping beneath the stars.

A park ranger can not only connect you to the plants, animals, and geology of a park, but also guide you through the night sky. Several national parks have regular stargazing programs or night appreciation events. Examples include star parties or moonlight hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park, telescope viewing at Rocky Mountain National Park, and night sky programming including use of the observatory at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Silhouetted view of people stargazing against a vast backdrop of night sky
Stargazing in National Parks

There are many ways to experience the wonder of the night.

The Junior Ranger Night Explorer badge features an embroidered Ursa Major constellation
Junior Ranger Night Explorer

Junior Ranger Night Explorer program encourages visitors to keep exploring the parks after dark. Available in English and Spanish!

Cropped night sky view of the Milky Way and constellations
Observatories

The NPS has some astronomical observatories that provide a unique experience for park visitors.

Telescopes on grassy field for astronomy event. Rocky Mountain National Park
NPS Night Sky Events

Throughout the year parks offer night sky programming, some of which can be found close to home or along your travels.

Luminarias at Tumacacori National Monument, nighttime
Protect Night Skies in Your Community

The Milky Way and constellations can be visible if the night skies are free from light pollution. See how you can help protect the night.

Brilliant stars rise above a camping site along Baker River, North Cascades National Park. Story by Oliver Lazenby / Photo by Andy Porter — from Mount Baker Experience Magazine

Dark Sky & Artificial Lighting Guidelines for Recreationists

The NPS Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division and the NPS Wilderness Stewardship Division collaborated with Leave No Trace to develop guidelines for recreationists that help protect dark night skies. When preparing for a trip to a national park or other outdoor recreation area, it is important to consider these dark sky and artificial lighting guidelines that complement the LNT principles. Applying these guidelines before and during your recreation visit help protect the starry night skies.
Download a copy of the guidelines, click on link below or photo to left.
Dark Sky & Artificial Lighting Guidelines
Article: NPS and LNT Partnership - Dark Sky Guidelines

Last updated: August 15, 2024

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