AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park

What is a Dark Sky?

A dark sky is one where artificial light does not interfere with the view of the natural starry environment. 100 years ago, anyone could look up at the night sky and see thousands of stars above, but due to the increased and widespread use of artificial light over the last century 80 percent of the world’s population lives under skyglow, and in the United States and Europe 99 percent of the public can’t experience a natural night.

How does a property become a Dark Sky Park?

The Dark Sky Park certification is given by DarkSky to land possessing an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. Because most of the eastern United States has light pollution that prevents pristine views of the night sky, there are only a limited number of International Dark Sky Parks on the East Coast.

What are the benefits of dark sky conservation?

The conservation benefits of limiting excess artificial light include:

• Reducing deaths of migratory birds, turtles, and other species who interact with the natural night sky
• Improving wildlife habitat, including supporting natural pollination of plants and recovery of plant and tree species
• Reducing the pollution associated with energy production
• Immediately returning visibility of the stars in the night sky

There are broader benefits to reducing light pollution as well, including:

• Saving homeowners, municipalities, and businesses on energy costs
• Reducing glare, which improves street safety
• Reducing serious health effects, like certain cancers, diabetes, and obesity
• Providing science education and light pollution awareness through dark sky programming
• Opening the door to establish an astro-tourism economy in the region

How can you help?

• Talk to others about the benefits of dark skies and risks of light pollution
• Participate in community science. There are a number of ways to measure and upload information to share with the world related to dark skies
• Support good outdoor lighting policies in your town, rehab poor-quality outdoor lighting installations at your home or business, and reach out to educate neighbors and visitors on the importance of dark skies
• Sign up for alerts to our calls to action at outdoors.org
• Donate, join, volunteer, advocate

Learn more about dark sky conservation at darksky.org.