Canada and the United States have their first joint star park

Canada and the United States have their first joint star park

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Mountains and glaciers, forests and steppes, wolves and pumas, bears and moose – even during the day, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, partly belonging to Canada and partly to the United States, for nature and outdoor fans There is a true heaven. But now the park has received a new award that aims to attract more visitors: the park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park.

This means that the national park, which has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for stargazing, as the International Dark Sky Association says. In addition, the regions are characterized by the fact that they take special action against artificial light and light pollution, which particularly affect nocturnal animals highly.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is already a feature: it is a merger of Waterton-Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. So now the next step, which will especially delight astrophysicists.

USA and Canada: Spectacular skies over mountains, glaciers and lakes

“The dark skies at the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park are truly spectacular,” said Ron Hallman, President of Parks Canada. They are happy that now there is Sitara Park, the first across the border. The award “reflects our commitment to environmental protection to the world and provides an opportunity for visitors to experience nature even at night”.

Both parks have a lot going for it. For example, according to a statement from the park administration, lighting systems were installed that barely interfere with the view of the night sky and keep the harmful effects on the animal world from artificial light pollution down. Mainly it is a new LED lighting technology.

Glacier National Park chief Pete Webster said the dark night sky is a distinctive feature of the wilderness in the region. “The clear view of the vastness of the universe exudes a sense of loneliness far beyond the earthly landscape.” Now one expects more visitors to come at night as well.