The Darkest Sky In The Country Is in Our Own Nevada Backyard
We live in a city – a whole state – that is known for having some of the biggest and brightest neon lights in the world! But you might not have known this – Nevada is also home to one of the darkest skies in the country.
In Nevada we also like our clear, dark skies too, because there is nothing better than looking up at the night sky to see trillions – yes, trillions – of stars twinkling back at you. There’s even one specific destination in Nevada that’s been recognized for its extremely dark sky, and you definitely need to experience it for yourself at some point, because it’s quite breathtaking.
Great Basin National Park is one of Nevada’s greatest treasures. I was there once many years ago, and it’s quite mesmerizing. I didn’t know at the time, but it’s actually considered one of the darkest places in the country. And the preserve was actually given this designation back in 2016 by the International Dark Sky Association (you didn’t know there was one, did you?) and it’s well-deserved.
Great Basin National Park isn’t just any dark sky. I think it might be the closest thing to what the night sky might’ve looked like before before Thomas Edison flipped the switch. It’s a must see – because it’s really hard to get great pictures!
Great Basin is so dark because of its remote location. With a population of about 4,100, the town of Ely is the largest community within 100 miles of the preserve. Las Vegas is the closest major light source, and it’s over three hours away.
Great Basin has many astronomy and stargazing programs. It now puts on over 100 programs a year that feature the preserve’s dark skies, so If you have a couple days to do something really cool, there’s no excuse to not see this place for yourself. It’s in or own backyard!!
