INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PLACES
What is an International Dark Sky Place?The International Dark Sky Places Program promotes preservation and protection of night skies across the globe. Three types of areas compose the program; communities, parks, and reserves. The links below will lead you to more information about each of these. Preserving dark skies starts locally, with a dedicated group of citizens, staff, or volunteers. IDA International Dark Sky Parks and Reserves are home to some of the darkest and most pristine skies in the world. IDA International Dark Sky Communities are filled with citizens concerned for the many factors that dark skies depend on and while their skies may not be perfect, they are examples to the world of how a city may light the streets without lighting the sky above. These locations serve as reminders that with quality outdoor lighting, the extraordinary wonders of the nighttime sky and night environment are just as much a part of our lifestyle and history as are the daylight hours. In fact, without the inspiration from night sky objects, much of the world's history, art, culture, music, and literature would not have been created. This is why the International Dark Sky Places Program aims to protect locations of exceptional nighttime visages for future generations. IDSPlaces celebrate this rich heritage with innovative outreach programs meant to inspire others to cherish the sky and return the night sky to children and people of the world. International Dark Sky Places Programs:
See IDSPlaces from Space!Click the link above to see what our International Dark Sky Places look like from above. These images are provided by NASA Earth Observatory's release of the 'Black Marble.' Learn more on their website and in IDA's press release. Take a look yourself using the ease of Google. |
What's New?
Death Valley National Park Designated as Largest International Dark Sky Park 20 February 2013. Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, is reaching to new heights as today the International Dark-Sky Association announces its designation as the world’s newest and largest “Gold Tier” International Dark Sky Park. Read the Press Release.
Fifth International Dark Sky Reserve |
Pursuing an International Dark Sky Place Designation
The International Dark-Sky Association continues to accept applications from locations wishing to join in the ranks of International Dark Sky Places Program.
Designation almost always starts with a small group of individuals who organize to seek formal protection of their nightscape. Designations are open to communities and publicly and privately managed land areas. Please read the IDSPlaces FAQ to learn more.
NOTE! Guidelines are currently being updated and will be released in the coming months. Please keep an eye on the website for details or email Amee Hennig below for details.
The first step of applying is to email program manager, Amee Hennig at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to alert IDA of your intent to apply.
Next view the FAQ below and the Guidelines on the webpage of the type of designation you are interested in pursuing (community, park, or reserve).
Still have questions? Feel free to email us with your question. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Resources to Assist in the Making of your Application
Is my location eligible for an IDSPlace designation? (Parks & Reserves) (Coming Soon!)
Creating a Night Sky Survey
How to carry out a dark sky survey
What is a dark sky survey? How does it help conserve dark sky places?
Steve Owens, a member of the team behing the smashing success of IDSPlace Galloway Forest Park, shares his extensive knowledge on the first steps to creating a successful IDSPlace in the Dark Sky Diary (18 December 2010).
Creating a Lighting Inventory (Coming Soon!)
Creating Lighting Guidelines (Coming Soon!)
Lighting Retrofits, How-To (Coming Soon!)
Working with the Community (Coming Soon!)
Creating a Successful Dark Sky Education Program (Coming Soon!)
Introductory Programs:
Dark Sky Friendly Developments of Distinction
Banners in Harmony, FL showing off the Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction Logo
Other Awards: