Oracle State Park Named World's Twentieth International Dark Sky Park
Nestled between the bright cities of Phoenix and Tucson, Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education is a dark sky oasis in the desert. Now the park's impressive night skies will be protected for future generations. The International Dark-Sky Association is honored to name Oracle State Park an International Dark Sky Park. The prestigious designation is the result of exceptional efforts to protect the area's dark skies and raise public awareness about the issue. Designated at the "Silver" tier level, the park is the first in the Arizona State Park system to receive IDA recognition.2014 Nobel Prize for Physics Draws Attention to Promise and Challenges of Blue Light
The Nobel Committee announced today that it has awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize for physics to three Japanese physicists for their invention of a revolutionary lighting technology. Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano of Japan and Shuji Nakamura were cited for “the invention of efficient blue light-emitting diodes, which has enabled bright and energy-saving white light sources.”Germany's Rhon Bisophere Reserve Named World's Ninth International Dark Sky Reserve
Far from major cities, the truly dark skies of Germany’s Rhön Biosphere Reserve offers visitors a respite from the frenzied rhythms of 21st century urban life. In today designating the Biosphere Reserve an International Dark Sky Reserve, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) recognizes the efforts of municipal governments, regional authorities and dedicated local activists to protect the dark Rhön nights. The new Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s ninth, received Silver-tier status from IDA. In Germany, it will be known as “Sternenpark Rhön.”Two Texas Parks & Wildlife Properties Achieve International 'Dark Sky' Status
Texas state parks remain among the few public places in one of the nation’s most populous and increasingly urbanized states where the starry heavens can be viewed in all their celestial glory with only minimal intrusion of artificial light. Copper Breaks State Park in the Panhandle Plains and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Hill Country are the first Texas state parks to be designated International Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association.IDA Designates Sedona, Arizona, the World's Eighth International Dark Sky Community
The red rock scenery of Sedona has long been an iconic setting for Hollywood films about the Old West and a popular magnet for artists and tourists alike. Sedona is committed to preserving its small-town charm, and thanks to the sustained efforts of concerned residents, its dark night skies. In recognition of Sedona’s efforts protecting this important natural resource, the International Dark-Sky Association has designated the city of Sedona the world’s eighth International Dark Sky Community.Hovenweep National Monument Named World's Newest International Dark Sky Park
The star-filled skies of Hovenweep National Monument along the Utah-Colorado border have new protections as the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) announced today it has designated Hovenweep as the world’s seventeenth International Dark Sky Park. In designating the new Park at the Gold-tier sky quality level, IDA recognizes the notably dark skies over the Monument and efforts of the National Park Service (NPS) to protect them for future generations of visitors. It is the first IDA Dark Sky Park to span more than one U.S. state, and is the second IDA-accredited site in the state of Utah after Natural Bridges National Monument. Both Natural Bridges and Hovenweep are jointly managed under the same NPS administrative staff.Beverly Shores, Indiana, Named World's Seventh International Dark Sky Community
Nights along the south shore of Lake Michigan are a little darker thanks to dedicated residents of one northwest Indiana community. In recognition of their efforts to protect the nighttime environment along the Indiana Dunes, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) today announced it has named the Town of Beverly Shores, Indiana, as the world's seventh International Dark Sky Community.Dark Skies Come Into Sharp Focus at the First Annual StarLight Festival
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) joins AstronomyOutreach network to raise public awareness about the importance of dark skies for the environment and science of the Southern California mountain region.The International Dark Sky Association Celebrates International Dark Sky Week 2014
Created in 2003 by high-school student Jennifer Barlow, International Dark Sky Week has grown to become a worldwide event and a key component of Global Astronomy Month. Each year it is held in April around Earth Day and Astronomy Day. This year celebrations begin Sunday, April 20, and run through Friday, April 26.The International Dark-Sky Association Awards Dark Sky Status to Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument
The remote, wild character of rural northwest Arizona has long drawn dedicated adventurers who value protection of the area’s abundant natural resources. Lately, dark night skies have earned a place among these precious assets worthy of preservation. In recognition of exceptional efforts to this end, the International Dark Sky Association announced today that it has designated Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument as part of its International Dark Sky Places Program. The new International Dark Sky Place is also known as “Parashant International Night Sky Province.” A public event to celebrate the designation will be held April 26 at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah.