Utah Is Home To The Highest Concentration Of Dark Sky Parks In The World
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 05, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There is something magical about staring at the night sky and here in Utah, you have opportunities galore. In fact, did you know that Utah is home to the highest concentration of dark sky parks in the entire world? While we knew Utah was special, this makes it so much more heavenly.
When you want to step outside and enjoy an incredible night show, you don’t have to travel far in the Beehive State. In the past few years, Utah has become home to the highest concentration of dark sky parks of anywhere in the world.
All five of Utah’s national parks are International Dark Sky Parks as well as many state parks such as Antelope Island State Park, Fremont Indian State Park, and Goblin Valley State Park.
There are also multiple national monuments located in Utah on the list as well including Cedar Breaks National Monument, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and Dinosaur National Monument.
To become a certified dark sky park, the land must have an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment that is specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
But it is no easy feat to become a designated dark sky park. While Utah’s dryer climate creates fewer clouds, resulting in ideal stargazing conditions, it's much more complicated than that. Here in Utah, many state park officials have worked diligently to complete a strenuous application process.
Plus, many extra steps must be taken to provide ideal night sky viewing such as lights must be directed downward and the area must host educational activities and presentations throughout the year.
Do you enjoy stargazing? Do you have a favorite place to watch the night sky? Let us know in the comments! And did you know that just 35 minutes away from Salt Lake City, you can enjoy an incredible star show? East Canyon State Park is a dark sky park in Utah and offers some of the greatest star shows in northern Utah.
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