05/12/2021
If you think you’ve seen everything that shines in New Mexico, just look up at the night sky from Cosmic Campground and you’ll find even more to admire. Las Cruces astrophotographer Bob Kimball, a retired college dean from Michigan, describes it as a place where coyotes serenade visitors during the beautiful, quiet nights. When he visits, he is often accompanied by his 4-inch refracting telescope as well as other astrophotographers from Las Cruces.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS), located about 13 miles north of Glenwood, offers unparalleled night sky views, with little to no obstruction from human-generated light to dim the stars. According to the Friends of Cosmic Campground website, the project was conceived in 2003 and, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, opened in 2013. By 2016, it was designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization founde
See the stars: Natural Bridge gets ‘International Dark Sky status’
Virginia State Parks helping dark skies shine brightly
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Dark sky over Mt. Bleak House at Sky Meadows State Park (Courtesy: Virginia Dept. of Conservation and Recreation)
RICHMOND, Va. – The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has awarded International Dark Sky Park status to Natural Bridge State Park in Rockbridge County and Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County.
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“With the designation of Natural Bridge and Sky Meadows, Virginia State Parks has a total of four dark sky parks and Virginia has a total of five, more than any other state east of the Mississippi,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. “The designation represents years of hard work and dedication by the staff and volunteers at both parks. Our commitment to providing visitors with unique opportunities to enjoy and learn about our natural reso
Natural Bridge, Sky Meadows awarded International Dark Sky status
Published Wednesday, Apr. 7, 2021, 1:44 pm
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Front Page » Breaking News » Top1 » Natural Bridge, Sky Meadows awarded International Dark Sky status
Dark sky over Mt. Bleak House at Sky Meadows State Park. Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Nighttime light pollution is common east of the Mississippi River, and natural nighttime darkness is disappearing, making stargazing more difficult.
International Dark Sky designation recognizes areas and organizations working to maintain spaces where the public can see stars more easily.