Death Valley Stargazing
Night Sky: Half the Park is After Dark
Death Valley is an internationally recognized night sky park, living up to its tagline: “Half the Park is After Dark.” You can see incredible stars from almost anywhere in the park. Simply stay at your favorite sunset spot and wait about an hour after dark. The National Park Service offers night sky programs during the season (November-April). The annual Dark Sky Festival is the park’s largest event, featuring speakers from NASA, JPL, and SETI, plus large telescopes for visitors.
Dark Sky Designation
Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America. The International Dark-Sky Association has designated Death Valley National Park as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the highest rating of darkness. Visitors can marvel at the night sky through telescopes on Friday and Saturday night with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society and the Riverside Astronomical Society. Photographers are also invited to meet up for night sky photography in prime park locations. Astrophotography experts and rangers will be on hand to assist newcomers to the art.
In February, the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival rangers and scientists will lead guided hikes to explore the features of Death Valley and the similarities to other places in the solar system. During the exploration fair at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, visitors can talk to scientists, observe demonstrations, and participate in activities like solar system walks and solar viewing. Families are also encouraged to attend hands-on space science programs designed specifically for children.
Scientists from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory will present evening programs exploring the search for life on other planets. On Friday night, space scientist Giada Arney will discuss how NASA scientists examine life that exists in extreme environments to help understand the limits of life on Earth and better predict where life might be found on other planets. Or, for the more adventurous types, you can go explore nearby desertscapes and view the skies from there on your own.
In the process of protecting the dark sky at night, DVNP has reduced its energy consumption and associated greenhouse gases. Being designated an International Dark Sky Park brings international recognition to the efforts the park has made towards protecting dark skies and provides an example to other parks of what is possible in light pollution prevention and energy savings. It also raises awareness of park staff, visitors, park concessions, and the surrounding community on the many attributes and importance of darkness at night.
Death Valley National Park is leading by example in preserving its dark night sky. Darkness has become a diminishing resource across our nation. By carefully following park-wide outdoor lighting guidelines, the safety, security and way finding of Park visitors and staff is provided with minimal to no impacts on Death Valley’s dark night sky.
Death Valley is the largest park in the world with the International Dark Sky Park designation with 3.4 million acres aimed at protecting and enjoying the dark night sky.
