Nighttime viewing at the Grand Canyon's Dark Sky Park offers some of the finest stargazing experiences within U.S. territories
Grand Canyon National Park Becomes an International Dark Sky Park
The Grand Canyon National Park, a popular tourist destination in the United States, has recently been designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This prestigious title recognises the park's commitment to preserving the natural darkness of the night sky for future generations.
The park's high elevation and dry desert air make it one of the best places for stargazing in the USA. Amateur and professional astronomers from the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, often visit the Grand Canyon to marvel at the celestial wonders it offers. The Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix also sets up telescopes on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
In an effort to comply with DarkSky's lighting guidelines, the Grand Canyon National Park had set a deadline of June 2019 to retrofit two-thirds of its light fixtures. Thousands of light fixtures on both rims and within the canyon needed to be retrofitted to reduce light pollution and enhance the stargazing experience.
Before this designation, the Grand Canyon was not highly regarded by amateur astronomers and astrophotographers due to excessive lighting. However, with the implementation of the International Dark Sky Program, the park has become a popular destination for stargazing and astronomy.
The Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is easily accessible from Flagstaff and a few hours from Las Vegas. Mather Point is the best place for stargazing on the South Rim, while Hermit's Rest, the Rim Trail pullouts, Desert View, and Lipan Point are also suitable locations.
Rangers at the Grand Canyon National Park are knowledgeable about the night sky and offer night-time walks, talks, and telescope use. For those who wish to learn more about the Navajo tribe's constellations, camping in the Grand Canyon's campgrounds is an opportunity not to be missed.
The National Park Service is responsible for the Grand Canyon National Park and is committed to protecting not only the park's natural landscapes but also its natural darkness. The annual Grand Canyon Star Party, held in June, is a testament to the park's dedication to stargazing and astronomy.
With over five million visitors per year, the Grand Canyon continues to be a popular tourist destination. However, with its new status as an International Dark Sky Park, it is also becoming a must-visit destination for stargazers and astronomers alike.
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