DARK SKIES Arizona specializes in humbling experiences—moments when you stand in the presence of breathtaking, billions-of-years-old sites and happily feel tiny and temporal. But some of the most awe-inspiring spectacles happen when the sun sets and the galaxy turns on. Thanks to its clear skies, mountainous terrain and sparsely populated expanses, Arizona is home to famous observatories, the densest collection of Dark Sky-designated places and some of the world’s best astrotourism adventures. BY KERIDWEN CORNELIUS More than 99 percent of people in the U.S. and Europe live under light-polluted skies. The vast majority of Americans cannot step outside to contemplate the Milky Way—that sparkling smear of stars at the center of our galaxy. So the International Dark-Sky Association, based in Tucson, is working to protect stargazing by certifying cities, parks and other areas that rigorously reduce light pollution. Arizona is now home to 17 certified Dark Sky Places—more than anywhere else on the planet. The world’s first Dark Sky Community was Flagstaff , where astronomers at Lowell Observatory had long advocated for sensible outdoor lighting policies. Today, visitors to Lowell Observatory can benefit from their telescopic vision. Monday through Saturday nights, learn to navigate the night sky with an outdoor constellation tour, and then step onto the new Giovale Open Deck Observatory to peer through six telescopes at objects such as Saturn, Jupiter, the Lagoon Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy. In June 2019, just in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary, Grand Canyon National Park officially became a Dark Sky Park. The park retrofitted thousands of lights, creating a natural nightscape. Now, astrophiles can enjoy stellar views from Moran Point, Lipan Point and Mather Point on the South Rim, or Bright Angel Point on the North Rim. Mainly in summertime, rangers lead special events such as constellation talks, moonlit walks and classes on night sky photography. And on the West Rim, Hualapai River Runners honors the ancient tradition of fireside sky-watching with a Grand Canyon Stargazing and S’Mores trip, shuttling guests from Hualapai Lodge on historic Route 66 to the shores of the Colorado River. Tonto National Monument , located east of Phoenix alongside 6 VISITARIZONA.COM
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2020-21: Page 6
