Night sky refers to the stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies that can be observed in the night sky. National and state parks have a rich history of night sky viewing, and the National Park Service (NPS) and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these natural resources.
Many national and state parks have dark skies, which provide excellent opportunities for sky viewing. These parks may have designated night sky viewing areas, where visitors can observe the stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies without the interference of light pollution. Additionally, many parks may offer ranger-led night sky viewing programs, which can include telescope viewing and stargazing, as well as educational lectures and guided tours.
However, light pollution from human activities such as urbanization, transportation, and recreation can negatively impact sky viewing and the wildlife that depend on natural darkness. The NPS and state park agencies may have regulations in place to minimize the impact of human activities on sky viewing, and may also conduct research to better understand the impacts of light pollution on park resources.
Overall, the sky in national and state parks play an important role in the overall visitor experience and ecological integrity of the parks. The NPS and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these resources while balancing the need for recreational opportunities and sustainability. They may have regulations in place to minimize the impact of human activities on night sky viewing, and may also conduct research to better understand the impacts of light pollution on park resources, and provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the sky in its natural state.