Joshua Tree National Park To Be Designated International Dark Sky Park

Above, Cottonwood Spring at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here is something amateur astronomers and night sky photographers should take notice of.

Joshua Tree National Park is about to receive the designation as an International Dark Sky Park next month.

According to The Desert Sun:

Joshua Tree National Park will join Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, Warrumbungle National Park in Australia, Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park in South Korea and dozens of other parks across the U.S. and the world next month when it is officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park. 

To receive the distinction, a park must possess, “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” according to the International Dark-Sky Association. 

Other International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. include Glacier National Park in Montana, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, Capitol Reef National Park in Utah and dozens of other national and state parks and monuments. 

A dedication ceremony will be held Aug. 12 at Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree at 5 p.m. 

To read more, go here.