16 incredible dark sky stores around the world that protect the night sky

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Like many aspects of planet Earth, our vision of the night sky suffers from the effects of pollution. Industry emissions as well as stray light from outdoor lamps make it difficult for people in many areas to fully enjoy the starry view.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) strives to preserve the night sky for its cultural and scientific value, and to do so, it has worked with countries to create dark sky reserves around the world. Here’s a look at these 16 Certified International Dark Sky Reserves and their locations.

Alpes Azur Mercantour (France)

Mountain peaks against the backdrop of starry night in the Mercantour National Park, France (Image credit: Getty)

The mild climate and renowned biodiversity of the Mercantour National Park in France make it a dark sky reserve much appreciated by astronomy enthusiasts, according to IDA. One of the first mountain observatories, Mont Mounier was created there at the end of the 19th century. In between looking at the stars, you can enjoy the mountain view and the proximity to the coast.

Find out more about the Mercantour National Park

Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand)

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Preserve. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the 1908s, local authorities began to more aggressively control outdoor lighting in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Preserve in New Zealand, not only to protect the skies, but also to conserve energy and protect wildlife, according to IDA. The Maori, who are indigenous residents of this region, use the night sky for navigation and also have a wealth of astronomical and cultural star traditions that are culturally significant. Helping to keep the skies unpolluted by the Maori is therefore one of the reasons that IDA is happy to preserve the dark skies of this region.

Learn more about the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Preserve

Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales)

Animated Milky Way over landscape of medieval castle ruins at Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. (Image credit: Getty)

Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is so isolated that the sheep outnumber 30 to 1, according to IDA. Nonetheless, the community of around 33,000 residents worked hard to make 100% of their lighting conducive to dark sky preservation. This is a big win for astronomy enthusiasts, as there was once a lot of lighting that destroyed astronomical sights, according to IDA.

Learn more about Brecon Beacons National Park.

Central Idaho (United States)

Stanley Lake in Stanley, Idaho, with the Milky Way galaxy in the background. (Image credit: Getty)

If you’re looking for a wilderness experience similar to our ancestors’ one, Stanley Lake in central Idaho is one of the few places that not only runs out of electricity, but also cell phone service, according to IDA. The rugged terrain of the area made it difficult to set up infrastructure, which left a truly gloomy sky for visitors. During the day you can also go hiking, trekking and horse riding.

Learn about the Dark Sky Preserve in Central Idaho.

Cévennes National Park (France)

A starry sky over Lake Pisa in the Cevennes, France. (Image credit: Getty)

While a large part of France has urbanized over the centuries, the Cévennes remain particularly rare thanks to the mountainous terrain of this region. There is no shortage of locals – around 71,000 inhabitants in 250 villages – but the region is mostly farmland, with nearby activities such as mountain biking, fishing, hiking and caving (cave exploration). Local authorities have also done their best to preserve the sky views, IDA said.



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