What is an IDA International dark sky park : 
Is a piece of land that provides users with the ability to see the night celestial sky with limited to no IMPACT from light pollution.  however for a more furbished definition, the folks at international dark sky association will tell you, “ is a land possessing 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. The land may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner(s) consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to specific areas included in the IDA designation.”
Why are dark sky Parks important? 
​The negative impact of man-made artificial light is something we all contribute too. It’s true (raising my own hand) we all use artificial lights for purposes of nighttime activities such as sporting and crowd gathering events, our own home, pedestrian lights, traffic lights, shopping center lights, and the list rolls a mile long of how our industrialized society requires artificial light to exist.  The impact of artificial man-made lights creates an effect that washes out the heavens above from our line of sight called light glow.  This is where light particles from artificial light and emissions forms a “dome” that dulls and grays the starry sky of its clarity and brightness.
Dark sky parks were created to counteract the impact of light pollution, offering a dedicated area that can be used to stargaze openly and freely of light obstruction. The purposeful intent is to use the sky to educate, observe and preserve for humans and animals alike.

Not FUN FACT: Light pollution also negatively impacts animals who use the night darkness to hunt, navigate, breed and migrate.

Family experience recommendation:
My family and I love to take in a night at sky meadows state park (Delaplane, VA) , the state park offers camping to accompany your dark sky park experience but camping is not required as part of your dark sky experience. Sky meadows in collaboration with the Northern Virginia astronomy club, Nasa jet propulsion ambassadors offers "astronomy for everyone" the first Saturday of every month (yes, even into winter).  here is the time to pull up a blanket, lay under the stars or join in on viewing the celestial bodies through a telescope!  (Yes the astronomy club is super friendly and knowledgeable!)
Planning:
1. pack a dinner or heavy on the snacks and liquids
2. pack for the nighttime weather
3. bring a blanket and bug spray
4. entrance fee of $10.00 to the state park
5. pack cellophane to cover your white light emitting objects (cell phone, flashlight, lantern)
link to the event calendar 
How does an area get dark sky CERTIFIED?
  1. Be a public or private space of 455 acres
  2. The space provide nighttime access
  3. Must meet a consistent level of darkness (measured in luminescence to arc seconds.)
  4. Milky way visible to the naked eye
  5. Have a light management plan
A truly unique experience but best to prepare for. If there is one thing to know before enjoying a dark park its that white artificial light of any kind is not permitted. This means, lights from items such as your flashlight, cell phone, headlamp, lantern are all prohibited. (and yes the park will enforce this).

​Tips to enjoy a dark sky park
  1. check the location website for program instructions, access hours and directions
  2. check the weather for a clear & full moon free night sky
  3. pack for nighttime weather
  4. don’t have a telescope, bring binoculars
  5. bring red CELLOPHANE, rubber bands and scissors to cut up and cover up all white light objects like cell phones and FLASHLIGHTS.
  6. download SKYVIEW app to help with identifying constellations, stars, planets in the night sky.
  7. be prepared to be in awe!

    SURVEY
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