Helper, Utah Certified as International Dark Sky Community
Release date: April 1, 2020
Contact(s): Lenise Peterman 801-712-7622
HELPER, UT— Helper City and the International Dark-Sky Association are pleased to announce Helper as an International Dark Sky Community, a place recognized for its quality night skies and a commitment to protecting and sharing natural darkness.
The local area Dark Sky Observers have led regular astronomy programs and special events in the area over the last two years. International dark sky community certification gives Helper support to grow dark skies programs and creates economic opportunities for neighboring communities through astronomy-based tourism.
Lenise Peterman, Helper City’s Mayor states “I am both honored and grateful the International Dark-Sky Association has recognized our ongoing efforts to share dark skies with the community and our guests. This certification is the culmination of more than 2 years’ effort to preserve dark skies. Certification reaffirms our commitment to educate and improve night skies through the use of more energy-efficient, sustainable lighting. I would like to thank all who have helped make this possible.” Helper is proud to be the second community certified in Utah and the 25thin the world.
The International Dark Sky Places Program was founded in 2001 to encourage communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. Arches National Park now joins more than 100 locations that have followed a rigorous application process that demonstrates robust community support for dark sky certification.
