The Milky Way over Crater Lake National Park / National Park Service

Staying up past dark to view the Milky Way and star-studded night sky over someplace like Crater Lake National Park is one of the fastest-growing visitor activities in the parks. What better way to celebrate International Dark Sky Week than with the announcement that the National Park Service (NPS) and Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) are teaming up to develop night sky-friendly lighting to improve outdoor lighting in national parks without affecting your ability to view the starry sky and Milky Way.

“Night sky viewing is incredibly popular, and America’s national parks offer some of the best views of night skies,” says Karen Trevino, the NPS’ chief steward of natural sounds and night skies. “Staring at the night sky with the Milky Way streaking overhead is a quintessential experience for many national park visitors. Even national parks near urban centers often serve as night sky sanctuaries for those who live in our most populated cities.”

In the months ahead, the NPS and IES will “develop lighting standards and best practices for parks and other protected areas” for future construction projects utilizing American National Standards (ANSI). These standards will protect park resources while keeping staff and visitors “safe where light is needed.”

Not only will this partnership “promote a shared understanding of the importance of the natural night sky and the effects of light on national park resources and values, including wildlife, cultural resources and values, wilderness character, and visitor experience and enjoyment,” says Brian Liebel, IES Director of Standards and Research, but it will also encourage “collaborative research and educational opportunities for park staff and partners, IES members, and the public.”