Beyond the Glow: Utah's Sanctuaries for Stargazers

When was the last time you saw the Milky Way in all its glory? As city lights grow brighter, and so do the skies of Utah. The city’s lights block our starry skies as the sun goes down daily. Eighty percent of Americans live in an area where they cannot see the Milky Way due to the light pollution of the cities. According to the Utah Office of Tourism, the Beehive State is home to some of the darkest skies on Earth. The state also leads the world in dark sky preservation with 25 accredited Dark Sky International places or parks. In 2021, Governor Spencer Cox declared April as Dark Sky Month. 

 

Utah and Utah-Adjacent Certified Dark Sky Places

An impressive list of certified skies: Kolob Canyons, Torrey, and Three Peaks Recreation Area. State Parks: Antelope Island, Dead Horse Point, East Canyon, Fremont Indian, Goblin Valley, Goosenecks, Jordanelle, Kodachrome Basin, North Fork Park, Rockport, and Steinaker National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion.
National Monuments: Cedar Breaks, Dinosaur, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, and Timpanogos Cave.

 

Night Sky Tourists Are Referred To As “Astrotourists.”

Viewing the starry sky through a natural arch or behind a massive rock formation adds to the awe of the beauty of the night. The variety of terrain in these Dark Sky locations offered in Utah draws astrotourists to these 25 Dark Sky Parks, extending their time in the state, which grows our economy. For more information on where to go and what to do to best enjoy our night skies, visitutah.com/places-to-go/dark-sky-parks. The best time to stargaze is at night when the sky is at its darkest, usually between midnight and dawn, because the moon sets and the sky is free of artificial light pollution, making it easier to see the stars. Tourists are attracted to these locations year-round, but clearer nights often occur in colder months.

 

Phenomenon Known As Skyglow

Skyglow is familiar to most amateur astronomers as the wash of light across the night sky, mostly from artificial light sources on the ground. It reduces the contrast between astronomical objects and the sky, making some observations difficult, if possible. The effect is most significant in and near cities. According to National Geographic, 83 percent of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. SkyAndTelescope.org reports, “The average brightness of the night sky is increasing 10% yearly, making the stars less visible.” The National Park Service reports, “The brightening of the night sky is not limited to the NPS, which has documented urban environments as the glow from cities at distances over 200 miles from national parks.”

 

Darkness Can Affect Health

People are drawn to light, as are moths, but there is a healthful purpose for the dark. According to an article in Sky & Telescope magazine, disruption of the circadian rhythm has been linked to sleep disorders like insomnia and delayed sleep-phase syndrome, as well as depression, hypertension, attention deficit disorder, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It adversely affects wildlife and plants. Nocturnal animals, for example, sleep during the day and come out at night. A person can go into the house and turn off the lights, but a frog in a pond by a street light can’t, making the frog’s chances of being discovered far more significant than if he lived in a dark pond.

 

International Dark Sky Places 

The IDSP program works with communities, parks, municipalities, and the public to certify and protect dark places for humans and wildlife. Utah is fortunate to have more Dark Sky Parks than anywhere else. These 25 locations are committed to education, preservation, and safeguarding wildlife from light pollution. We are privileged to have a Dark Sky Park close by at Antelope Island. The Ogden Astronomical Society will host a public star party on the island on May 11. See My Local Utah’s visit to the previous Star Party here. More information on this event is available at Ogden-astronomy.org/events. Dead Horse Point State Park has many evening activities to take advantage of its designation best, including Scorpion Hunts!  VisitUtah.com also provides information on National Parks in Utah that have achieved Dark Sky Park designations. Many of Utah’s dark sky parks offer ranger-led night sky events. And local guides and observatories also book telescope adventure tours.

 

Nighttime Outdoor Activities

-White Water Rafting: Spring through fall, Holiday River Expeditions offers stargazing trips like no other, such as the Yampa River Stargazing Rafting Trip, for an incredible journey through the stars, sharing cultural stories told by the constellations.

-UTV Night Rides: Ticaboo Adventure Center brings visitors along in a unique way to experience the stars with night UTV rides through Bullfrog Basin in Kane County.

–The Mighty 5® at Night: All five of Utah’s National Parks and many of the state parks feature ranger-led night sky events, tours, and full moon walks, and in the winter, Bryce Canyon offers winter nighttime snowshoe hikes.  

 

Celestial Wonders Bucket List

Embrace the mystique of the nocturnal realm and delve into the celestial wonders that grace the heavens this year. Engaging with the night sky’s captivating spectacle can profoundly enrich your existence, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that transcends the mundane. Amidst the sparkling tapestry of stars and the ethereal dance of celestial bodies, discover a transformative experience that resonates deeply within your soul, offering solace, inspiration, and a renewed perspective on the boundless mysteries of the universe.