Latest news with #InternationalDarkSkyAssociation
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
What is astrotourism? Discover Utah's stellar destinations
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore spent 286 days among the billions of stars that make up the universe. But you don't have to leave the planet to immerse yourself in the cosmos. Rather than an astronaut, you can be an astrotourist. Utah has some of the darkest skies on Earth and the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky parks and communities in the world. For the fifth consecutive year, Gov. Spencer Cox declared April as 'Dark Sky Month' in Utah, touting the tourism benefits stargazing brings to the state and its Western neighbors. 'Visitors to Utah engaging in astrotourism tend to stay longer, spend more and mitigate harmful tourism impacts on the local community,' according to an official declaration Cox signed. A article says it is impossible to talk about astrotourism without mentioning Utah. 'The landscape is so varied — there are beautiful tall snowy mountains, winding red rock canyons, arches and everything in between,' Bettymaya Foott, an astrophotographer and director of engagement at the International Dark Sky Association, told the publication. 'The juxtaposition of a beautiful starry sky against a breathtaking landscape makes it pretty hard to take a bad photo.' Astrotourism is traveling to places — sometimes remote locales — where it's possible to see celestial events such as stars, planets, eclipses and meteor showers due to minimal light pollution. It also includes visiting observatories, planetariums and other astronomy-related places. 'Preserving the night sky is vital to Utah's long-lasting tourism economy and a dynamic visitor experience,' Natalie Randall, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film, said in a press release. 'Utah State Parks, national parks and local communities have shown tremendous leadership in prioritizing night sky preservation and offering unique year-round programs for both residents and visitors.' Astrotourism is anticipated to generate nearly $6 billion and support over 113,000 new jobs in the Colorado Plateau over the next decade, according to the Utah tourism office. The Colorado Plateau, a region that includes parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, is known for its dark, star-filled night skies. A 2019 study found tourists in national parks are increasingly interested in observing the night sky, especially considering that natural recreational amenity is quickly disappearing from the planet. The study forecasts that tourists who value dark skies will spend $5.8 billion over the next 10 years in the Colorado Plateau and create more than 10,000 new jobs in the area each year. 'Furthermore, as dark skies are an even more intense natural amenity in the non-summer months, they have the ability to increase visitor counts to national parks year-round and lead to a more efficient use of local community and tourism-related resources throughout the year,' the study says. All five of Utah's national parks — Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion — as well as 10 state parks and three communities are accredited International Dark Sky places. 'While Utah's stunning state parks draw visitors from across the globe during the daytime hours, you don't want to miss out on the magic that begins after sunset,' Utah State Parks director Scott Strong said in a press release. 'Dark sky programs offer visitors a unique perspective. Experiencing state parks like Goblin Valley, Kodachrome Basin and Dead Horse Point under the starry sky is an experience that you're sure to remember forever.' The International Dark Sky Places program certifies communities, parks and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education, according to DarkSky has certified more than 200 places since Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001. There are nearly 62,000 square miles of protected land and night skies in 22 countries on six continents. Certified areas are required to use quality outdoor lighting, effective policies to reduce light pollution and ongoing stewardship practices. Natural Bridges National Monument in southern Utah was the first dark sky designated park in the world. According to DarkSky, certification alerts visitors to light pollution and the need to preserve the night sky as a natural resource. It supports management agencies in achieving long-term conservation targets and connecting people to nature. It also serves as an economic driver by fostering increased tourism and local economic activity. The Utah declaration says stargazing, astronomy programs, star parties, dark sky photography and other activities allow Utahns and visitors to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of the night sky. Dark skies are also integral to the well-being of many animal and plant species, and are shown to have positive health impacts on people.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Spring Break destinations on just a tank of gas
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Spring Break is almost here, and while there is plenty to see and do in our own backyard, sometimes a quick day trip is needed. Here is a list of places you can visit on just one tank of gas – depending on how good your car's gas mileage is. If you are looking for big skies, Copper Breaks State Park has the views for you. Designated by the International Dark Sky Association as an International Dark Sky Park, Copper Breaks is a stargazer's dream. It is far enough away from the city lights and on the flat Texas plains to allow for miles of night sky. But don't wait until nighttime to head out there! Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and other programs are available for visitors. Entry to the park is $3 for those over 13 and free for those younger. Located near Cisco, TX, this 0.9-mile look trail winds through a 100-year-old abandoned zoo and features old ruins and cages from the 1920s. It is also home to the 'World's Largest Concrete Swimming Pool,' which can still be seen today. The path is noted to be a bit overgrown, but maps are available to help navigate through the park. For more information, check out AllTrails. Medicine Park was initially founded as Oklahoma's first resort town. With Bath Lake, Lake Lawtonka, and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, plenty of outdoor activities keep you busy for a full day. The Wichita Refuge houses 59,000 acres and is home to hundreds of animal species, including American bison, elk, deer, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs. In addition to outdoor activities, just outside of Lawton is the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. If you want to extend your trip longer than a day, public campgrounds, cabins, and other rentals have everything you need for a quick getaway. With attractions such as Lake Mineral Well State Park, the Clark Gardens Botanical Park, and the Baker Hotel, to name a few. Mineral Wells might be a small town, but it is full of potential for fun. The town has a rich history, with the Historic Famous Water Drinking Pavilion where you can try Crazy Water. For those who like a little spooky, Mineral Wells is also known for its paranormal activity – specifically The Haunted Hill House. Now, we already told you about Medicine Park, but Quartz Mountain is the gateway into the Wichita Mountains. Along the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert, this park has rock climbing, wildlife, hiking, fishing, boating and plenty of other outdoor activities. Stop for lunch at the Lookout Kitchen or spend a night in the recently renovated lodge and soak up some of Oklahoma's finest beach views. Are you looking for the perfect photo opp? Texas Tulips could be a good day trip for you. With about 100 varieties of tulips, they have a color and shape for everyone. Entry into the field is $7, and the tulips are $3 a stem. You take a picking basket and pick the tulips you want to buy, and then workers will wrap them for you in pretty paper and put a special gel on the stems to preserve them until you get home. If you need inspiration for pictures or additional encouragement, check out their Instagram. Home to the largest waterfall in Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park has 1,500 acres that have been compared to the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills in that the terrain provides a geological view into the past. In addition to the waterfall, which is probably a little cold this time of year, the grounds also include a walk-in castle, picnic areas, nature trails, and lots of wildlife. Entry into the park during the week will cost $9 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. One of the closest ones on the list, the Whiteside Museum of Natural History, is located in Seymour, less than 50 miles from Wichita Falls. Created to highlight the paleontological importance of Seymour and Baylor County, the museum has been visited by close to 50,000 people since its opening in 2013. The highlight of the Whiteside Museum is Bonnie, a complete skeleton of the famous finback reptile Dimetrodon, which is 287 million years old. The museum is closed on Mondays, but Tuesday through Saturday, it is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. On Sundays, it is open from noon until 4 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids. While the museum is expanding, specific halls are closed to the public, but there is still plenty to see. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
