Valles Caldera National Preserve Achieves International Dark Sky Park Status
Valles Caldera National Preserve has become a distinguished US location, recently certified as an International Dark Sky Park. This significant recognition highlights the exceptional quality of the preserve’s night skies, enhancing visitor experiences with astronomy-themed educational programs.
Understanding International Dark Sky Parks
The International Dark Sky Places Program was initiated in 2001 to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas globally to uphold dark sites through effective lighting policies and public awareness. Consequently, Valles Caldera is now an enchanting place where visitors can view the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and star constellations, all free from light pollution. Nestled in the scenic Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, it stands out as a premier destination for stargazing and nighttime exploration.
The Benefits of Certification
Although this certification does not possess any legal or regulatory authority, it emphasizes the dedication of land managers to improve night sky visibility through energy-efficient, sustainable lighting practices. Therefore, it fosters public awareness and recreational opportunities centered around astronomy in parks, while simultaneously optimizing energy consumption and lowering operational costs through advancements in outdoor lighting.
Spanning 13.7 miles, Valles Caldera joins an impressive roster of over 100 locations recognized for their dark sky status. When the opportunity permits large gatherings, the preserve intends to host astronomy-focused events in collaboration with various partner organizations throughout the year.
Thoughts from Leadership
Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos remarked, “The night sky has inspired countless humans to dream, invent, and explore. With this certification, we are committed to preserving our dark night skies and sharing all that we can learn from them with our surrounding communities and visitors to Valles Caldera.”
For those interested in exploring other remarkable dark sky locations in the US, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota was also recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park. For additional insights, visit the International Dark-Sky Association here.
