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13 Stunning Starry Night Photos

Exmoor National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve in England. Credit: Exmoor National Park.
Exmoor National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve in England. Credit: Exmoor National Park.

IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation program in 2001 to recognize excellent stewardship of the night sky. Designations are based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach. Enjoy exploring these stunning photos taken from our Dark Sky Places.

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1. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), aspiring International Dark Sky Park

The Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, an International Dark Sky Park in Arizona. Credit: Bureau of Land Management via Flickr (CC).
Credit: Bureau of Land Management via Flickr (CC).

2. The AURA Observatory (Chile), World’s First International Dark Skies Sanctuary

The AURA Observatory in Chile, the world’s first International Dark Skies Sanctuary
Credit: AURA Observatory.

3. Canyonlands National Park (Utah), International Dark Sky Park

Canyonlands National Park, an International Dark Sky Park in Utah
Credit: NPS/Emily Ogden via Flickr (CC).

4. San Francisco Peaks Taken From Flagstaff (Arizona), International Dark Sky Community

The Moon and Venus setting over the San Francisco Peaks, taken from Flagstaff, Arizona, an International Dark Sky Community.
Credit: Kyle A. via Flickr (CC).

5. Big Bend National Park (Texas), International Dark Sky Park

Credit: Vincent Lock via Flickr (CC).
Credit: Vincent Lock via Flickr (CC).

6. NamibRand Nature Reserve (Namibia), International Dark Sky Reserve

NamibRand Nature Reserve, an International Dark Sky Reserve in Namibia
Credit: Flavia via Flickr (CC).

7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (California), aspiring International Dark Sky Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, an aspiring International Dark Sky Park in Southern California.
Credit: John Loo via Flickr (CC)

8. Mont-Mégantic (Québec), International Dark Sky Reserve

Mont-Mégantic, an International Dark Sky Reserve in Québec, Canada
Credit: Rémi Boucher.

9. Cherry Springs State Park (Pennsylvania), International Dark Sky Park

Cherry Springs State Park, an International Dark Sky Park in Pennsylvania.
Credit: Jon Wood via Flickr (CC).

10. Pic du Midi (France), International Dark Sky Reserve

Pic du Midi, an International Dark Sky Reserve in France.
Credit: Nicolas Bourgeois / Pic du Midi

11. Newport State Park (Wisconsin), aspiring International Dark Sky Park

Dark sky programming at Newport State Park (WI), an aspiring Dark Sky Park. Photo by Denny Moutray.
Credit: Denny Moutray.

12. Northumberland National Park (England), International Dark Sky Park

Northumberland National Park (England), International Dark Sky Park
Credit: Cain Scrimgeour.

13. The Headlands (Michigan), International Dark Sky Park 

The Headlands (Michigan), International Dark Sky Park in Northern.
Credit: Robert de Jonge

You Can Help Save the Night

We can’t protect the night skies without you! If you enjoy starry night skies and want them preserved, consider becoming part of our family by supporting or joining IDA!