Glacier achieves full certification as International Dark Sky Park
National Park Service Photo
Flowers are silhouetted against the night sky and the Milky Way galaxy as seen from Glacier National Park.
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from Glacier National Park
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — Glacier National Park is proud to announce that they have received full certification as an International Dark Sky Park, after meeting the International Dark Sky Association outdoor lighting requirements.
Glacier has installed dark sky-friendly lighting while ensuring lighting used is necessary for public safety. These lights and fixtures reduce the harmful impacts of artificial lighting on wildlife, protect human health and preserve night skies for optimal viewing.
In Glacier National Park, new LED streetlights were installed in the West Glacier headquarters area and park residences received either new, dark sky-friendly fixtures and LED bulbs, or simply had the existing bulbs replaced. Additionally, replacement fixtures have been purchased for the East Glacier, St. Mary, and Many Glacier areas of the park for installation later this year.
Dark Sky Park certification helps raise awareness about light pollution and highlights how Glacier is reducing the impacts of outdoor lighting. It also provides opportunities for visitors to experience the night sky at its best in both parks.
“Dark night skies are an important wilderness characteristic at Glacier National Park. Clearly seeing the expanse of the universe increases a person’s sense of solitude well beyond that of the terrestrial landscape. A Dark Skies designation aids International Peace Park visitors in finding their own wilderness solitude,” said Pete Webster, acting superintendent of Glacier National Park.
Dark Sky initiatives improve ecological health, especially for nocturnal animals, benefit human health, reduce energy waste and provide night sky viewing opportunities.
Light pollution is artificial light directed toward the sky, representing energy inefficiency and waste. Dark sky-compliant lighting reduces light’s impact on the night sky by reducing glow and generally directing light downward.
Unnecessary artificial light at night can affect ecological health as well as wildlife behavior and patterns. It has negative effects on humans and nocturnal animals as several species depend on darkness for foraging, mating and migration.
