Enjoying the beauty of the night sky is an experience that many city dwellers miss out on. Thanks to bright signs, street lights and other sources of light pollution, those who live in and near large cities are often unable to see as many stars as those who live in more rural areas. Fortunately, we’re heading into the prime stargazing season, and you may not have to go far to find some outstanding stargazing spots.
Check out these amazing Stargazing Spots!
The Northeast: Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Located in Potter County, Pennsylvania, Cherry Springs State Park is considered to be among the best places in the Northeast for stargazing. This 82-acre park is a Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Park, a distinction given to just a handful of parks in the United States. Make the most of your visit by checking out the Night Sky Viewing area, which is shielded from passing vehicle lights and has public parking and information kiosks.
The Midwest: The Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
The Headlands is a 550-acre park located at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula on the shores of the Straits of Mackinac. In May of 2011, this park became a Silver-Certified International Dark Sky Park, making it the sixth park in the United States and the ninth park in the world to earn this title. Visitors can check out the Dark Sky Park programs, which are held at the brand Waterfront Event Center and Observatory stage area.
The South: Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park covers 1,252 square miles and is located in the southwestern part of Texas along the Texas-Mexico border. This remotely located park achieved gold certification as an International Dark Sky Park in 2011, and it claims that its skies are “dark as coal.” The best time to visit this park for stargazing is during the winter months when nights are longer and the skies are the cleanest. On a clear night, visitors can expect to see as many as 2,000 stars, as well as planets and meteorites.
The West: Death Valley National Park, California
For those who live on or near the West Coast, Death Valley National Park is the prime location for seeing countless stars, meteor showers and lunar eclipses. This park sits below sea-level and generates very little artificial light, and over 90% of the park’s 3.4 million acres is undeveloped wilderness. It’s a Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Park and is recognized for its dry desert climate and its clean air.
Celebrating the Night Sky with Soundwave Art™
Have a special event or moment that you want to celebrate? At Soundwave Art™, we provide you with a unique way to commemorate any occasion like a proposal, the birth of a child or another special place in time. Simply choose the date and location, and we’ll design your art from the alignment of the stars from your specified location. Then, upload a photo from your special moment and watch your Star Map Art come to life with our Soundwave Art™ augmented reality mobile app. Maybe even choose a your favorite stargazing spots!
