Photo: Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock

Zion National Park Is Now a Certified International Dark Sky Park

Utah News Astronomy
by Olivia Harden Jun 9, 2021

If you want to stargaze, the best places to do it have next to no light pollution. And while you might want to look into some of the darkest places in the world, the truth is there are plenty of great places to look at the beauty of the night sky right here in the US, including Zion National Park.

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has determined that Zion National Park has met all the requirements to be named an International Dark Sky Park. The National Park Service announced the certification and will host astronomy-based programs so visitors will have another reason to appreciate the park’s beauty. To celebrate, all ranger-led activities the week of June 7th will be focused on the night sky.

“Zion National Park is committed to conserving the park’s night skies for all future generations and to educating visitors about the values of this important resource,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, park superintendent, in a press release.

Zion is the last of the so-called “Mighty Five” national parks in Utah to receive this certification, following Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks.

Discover Matador