People living in modern society can hardly imagine what our night sky looks like without the interference of artificial light and air pollution. International Dark Sky Association (IDA) is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. It was founded in 1988 by astronomer David Crawford and amateur astronomer Timothy hunter, who is a doctor. IDA's mission is to protect the darkness of our night sky environment, protect and restore the night sky full of stars, and create a low light pollution environment.
The lights from cities are getting brighter and brighter, and we are less and less likely to see the stars. A few years ago, International Dark Sky Association selected the "dark night protection area" worldwide in response to this situation, hoping to provide a night shelter for "stars and animals" and reserve a dark night for the planet.
1. Tibet Ali dark night park
Ali dark night park is currently the best place to see stars in Asia. Near Ali Observatory, a dark night reserve with an area of 2500 square kilometers has been set up, which includes a starry sky experience area, a viewing glasses observation area, and a "special platform for starry sky photography" specially prepared for tourists, so that people who come here can have a "starry sky dream".
2. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs State Park is known as the "darkest night sky on the east coast of the United States". Although it’s not far from the city, Cherry Springs State Park has an all-360-degree panoramic night sky surrounded by dense and tall trees around the park. There will be two star parties in the park every year for tourists from all over the world to see the brightest stars and the Milky way in the darkest night sky.
3. Stewart Island
Recently, the American International Dark Sky Association officially included Stewart Island, the third largest island in New Zealand, in the list of "International Dark Sky holy land", becoming the fifth best place for star watching in the world! There are only about 400 islanders on the island. Prince Harry's first visit to New Zealand after his wedding in 2017 was Stewart Island. Most people come here for hiking, bird watching and star watching. It's fun.
4. Namiberand Nature Reserve, Namibia
In the historical Namib Desert, there is the darkest night sky in the world. With a very low population density and few tourists, it is far from the light pollution of the city. It is one of the best star viewing locations on earth. Come to Namibia and be wild!
