Craving Cosmic Constellations? Unleash Your Inner Stargazer with America's Darkest Skies!

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space station
space station

Unleash your inner explorer with our interactive maps – your compass to America's darkest treasures. From desert jewels to forest wonders, find your perfect stargazing spot. Use the Bortle Scale (light pollution guide) to unlock the ideal darkness level, whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a starry-eyed beginner.

Here's how they'll help you unlock the secrets of the night sky:

  • Find your perfect stargazing paradise: Narrow down your search by state, region, or even specific Bortle class, ensuring you find the ideal level of darkness for your experience.

  • Discover hidden gems: Uncover lesser-known dark sky destinations, beyond the usual suspects, and be the first to witness their celestial wonders.

  • Plan your adventure: Get detailed information on each location, including campsites, observatories, and nearby amenities, so you can plan a seamless stargazing trip.

How to use:

Adjust the Intensity: Slide the bar until you see both the colorful light pollution zones and the road map details clearly. This sets the stage for your cosmic exploration.

  1. Go Full Screen: Click the top right corner to maximize your view and immerse yourself in the starry landscape.

  2. Navigate the Cosmos: Zoom in and pan around the map using your mouse and Shift key. Explore light pollution levels across continents and discover the hidden gems of dark sky havens.

  3. Decoding the Colors: Want to understand what all those shades mean? Set the intensity to max and compare the map colors to the handy table below. Now you're a light pollution pro!

How to use:

Layers/Dark Site Placemarks Button

Geolocate Button

Open Information Panel

The geolocate button works like a charm, especially on mobile devices. Say goodbye to manual location searches and hello to instant exploration!

How to use:

  • Zoom in, zoom out: Explore the vastness of the United States! Use the map controls to zoom in and discover specific parks or zoom out to get a broad overview of our starry national havens.

  • Click the park stars: Each star icon represents a Dark Sky National Park or Sanctuary. Click on it to unlock a treasure trove of information, including:

    • Park location and general info.

    • Its International Dark Sky Association designation level.

    • Links to the park's website and astronomy programs.

  • Unleash the legend: Click the map legend icon to understand the different symbols representing park types and darkness levels.

National parks are havens for stargazers, offering some of the darkest, most awe-inspiring night skies on the planet. Thanks to the National Park Service's dedication to preserving these natural treasures from light pollution, you can experience the universe in all its glory, untouched by city lights.

a stargazing sky at the milky way
a stargazing sky at the milky way

Bortle Scale

The Bortle Scale is your key to understanding the darkness of your night sky. This nine-point system, created by amateur astronomer John Bortle, helps you gauge how much light pollution is interfering with your stargazing. Imagine Class 1 skies, where the Milky Way blazes like a celestial river and faint galaxies shimmer like distant jewels. In contrast, Class 9 skies are awash in city lights, dimming the universe's wonders. Explore the Bortle Scale and discover the best places to witness the true awe-inspiring beauty of the night.

Ditch the Confusion, Embrace the Stars: A Beginner's Star Chart & Guide!

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space station

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