Enjoy the night sky: new park in the United States and Canada
You can see the night sky saving light energy and generating greater ecological awareness. A place to visit.
In the United States and Canada there is a new park to see the sky. The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park that has received the certification "International Dark Sky Park", once the lighting requirements of the international Dark Sky Association have been met.
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the name given to the union of the Glacier National Park in the United States and the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. Both parks have been declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco and the union is a World Heritage Site.
This space has lighting that helps reduce light pollution, allowing visitors to have a clear view of the starry sky, according to the National Park Service.
Lightning
In an effort to be dark sky friendly throughout the Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park, officials have installed LED streetlights and environmentally friendly light fixtures and bulbs.
"Peace Park's designation as the first international cross-border dark sky park shows the world our commitment to protecting the environment. In turn, it provides opportunities for visitors to connect with nature, even at night," said Ron Hallman, President and CEO of Parks Canada.
Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park is known for its prairie, forest and alpine landscapes as well as rich plant and animal life.
"Clearly seeing the expanse of the universe increases a person's sense of solitude far beyond the terrestrial landscape. The Dark Skies designation helps guests find their own solitude in nature," said Pete Webster, acting park superintendent .
The certification
Thanks to the certification, Parks Canada now has 12 dark sky certified sites. This helps raise awareness about light pollution and reduce energy expenditure.
In addition, the certificate grants ecological advantages. Artificial light harms nocturnal animals because many species need darkness in order to feed and reproduce.
In 2016, a study published in the journal Science Advances revealed that many American and European citizens cannot see the Milky Way due to artificial light.
