{"id":138,"date":"2014-09-04T08:35:28","date_gmt":"2014-09-04T15:35:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/summitrise.com\/?page_id=138"},"modified":"2026-03-16T09:55:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:55:17","slug":"international-dark-sky-places","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/what-we-do\/international-dark-sky-places\/","title":{"rendered":"International Dark Sky Places"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Find a Dark Sky Place<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Dark Sky Places are all over the world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DarkSky has certified more than 200 Places since Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are now over 160,000 square kilometers of protected land and night skies in 22 countries on 6 continents, and the list grows every year as new places achieve certification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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270+<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark Sky Places around the world<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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22<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countries represented<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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160,798+<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Square kilometers of protected land and night sky<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Visit a Dark Sky Place<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why Dark Sky Places are a conservation priority<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The night sky and nocturnal environment are naturally, culturally, and historically important resources worthy of conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Astronomical Union recommends<\/a> that \u201cto safeguard the right of any citizen to enjoy the vision of the starred sky, national and local governments [should] establish a suitable number of \u2018Dark Sky Oases\u2019 and protect them from excessive artificial light at night.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dark Sky Places connect us to nighttime nature <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

International Dark Sky Places protect ecologically sensitive areas and our universal heritage in the starry night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certified Places are required to use quality outdoor lighting, effective policies to reduce light pollution, ongoing stewardship practices, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More about conservation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Types<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Dark Sky Place certifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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International Dark Sky Parks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Publicly or privately owned conservation areas that implement good outdoor lighting and provide dark sky programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all Parks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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International Dark Sky Sanctuaries<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The most remote (and often darkest) places in the world, whose conservation state is most fragile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all Sanctuaries<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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International Dark Sky Reserves<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dark \u201ccore\u201d zones surrounded by a populated periphery where policy controls protect the darkness of the core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all Reserves<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Urban Night Sky Places<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Urban sites that promote an authentic nighttime experience despite being in the midst of significant artificial light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all Urban Places<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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International Dark Sky Communities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cities and towns with quality outdoor lighting ordinances that educate residents about the importance of dark skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all Communities<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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DarkSky Approved Lodging<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lodging and overnight accommodations with exceptional quality starry nights protected by DarkSky Approved lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View all Approved Lodging<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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History<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Protecting the night since 2001<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In 2001 Flagstaff, Arizona, U.S.A.<\/a>, was recognized by DarkSky (formerly, the International Dark-Sky Association) for its efforts in outdoor lighting policy and retrofits. The International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program was created to provide an incentive for communities and protected places to follow Flagstaff’s example, encouraging people to choose better lighting and implement it through effective public policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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