55% of the world’s population, roughly 4.6 billion people, live in urban areas [1]. While many cities have large green spaces within them to offer a respite from brick buildings, there’s one part of nature that urban areas simply cannot replicate: dark skies. While seeing the stars may be taken for granted in remote communities, some people have to travel great distances to see a truly dark sky. But this wasn’t always the case. Since the mid 1940s, light pollution in the United States has expanded roughly 6% each year [2]. Luckily, something else expanded throughout the 20th century in the United States: the National Parks system, a government program that helps preserve almost 250 million acres of land across the country [3].
Alongside the beautiful natural landforms and wildlife that find refuge within these parks, the night skies in these areas are some of the darkest in the nation. Twenty-two National Sites, which include parks, monuments, and reserves, have been certified by Dark Sky International for their remarkably clear nighttime views and eco-friendly light sources [4]. Some of these parks are situated close to major cities yet still provide enough remoteness to experience low light pollution. For example, a trip from New York City to Acadia by car takes roughly nine hours, while a trip from Boston takes just five.
Of course, this trip isn’t accessible for everyone, and with 99% of Americans unable to see the Milky Way from their homes [5], dark sky advocacy has decreased as many are unaware there’s an issue at all. Despite the success of National Parks, welcoming over 320 million visitors each year [6], there are still millions more who have never experienced unpolluted sky. In Singapore, for example, light pollution has become so widespread that many citizens live under an artificial twilight, never experiencing full night [5].
But all hope is not lost. By taking the time to read this article, you spread awareness about the light pollution plaguing our skies. With every trip to a National Park, someone becomes more aware of the problem. Organizations such as Open Outdoors for Kids and Every Kid Outdoors help fund and organize trips for students to experience nature in National Parks, inspiring the next generation to take initiative to improve our everyday skies and continue to preserve the exceptional ones.
When you plan your next trip or adventure, consider taking the time to stop at a Dark Sky area along the way. Whether it’s a backcountry trip through a National Park or an overnight stop in a rural area, the experience of a Dark Sky is an indescribable beauty. With thorough advocacy and eco-conscious choices, we hope everyone will one day be able to look up and experience the stunning views of a Dark Sky, even from their own homes.
Further Reading
Looking for a complete list of Dark Sky areas? Visit DarkSky International’s website!
References
- United Nations. 68% of the World Population Projected to Live in Urban Areas by 2050. View source
- National Park Service. Growth of Light Pollution. View source
- U.S. Department of the Interior. America's Public Lands Explained. View source
- DarkSky International. International Dark Sky Places Directory. View source
- American Association for the Advancement of Science. One-Third of People Cannot See the Milky Way. View source
- National Park Service. Visitation Numbers. View source
