Dark skies are sites around the world dedicated to stargazing. These sites are unique because in today’s world of near constant artificial brightness they are nearly devoid of light at night and are perfect for using your eyes to view the stars and constellations.
These sites are very rare and there are only 22 officially recognised dark skies sites internationally by the IDA. (https://www.darksky.org/) Most of these sites are incredibly remote and far away from towns, cities and roads. They are usually wildlife reserves and parks, often having wonderful views and masses of space available to view it from. p://mayodarkskypark.ie/
In most cities and towns today, if you look up at night you will usually just see black with little definition or contrast.
Dark skies aims to give us opportunities to view the night skies with our own eyes by conserving parks and rural areas from becoming too oversaturated with artificial light. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/communities/ Along with this they commonly provide guided tours, giving people knowledge and appreciation for the beauty above our heads and helping people understand the need to conserve this resource and beauty.
By Aaron Faulkner
CapeClearDarkSkies 