Last week, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) officially designated Cedar Breaks National Monument as an International Dark Sky Park, an award that recognizes the monument as a destination for stargazers to enjoy the natural darkness. The park earned the designation by installing night-friendly lighting, expanding astronomy educational programs and increasing outreach that raises awareness of the importance of preserving the night skies. Utah now has seven IDA Dark Sky Parks, the most of any state or province in the world. Stephen Goldsmith, associate professor of City and Metropolitan Planning and co-director of the Consortium of Dark Sky Studies based at the U, is available to discuss the designation and the various implications of protecting the night sky.

Stephen Goldsmith | associate professor of City and Metropolitan Planning | 801-587-2973 | goldsmith@arch.utah.edu