Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK — Goblin Valley State Park recently joined a prestigious group of outdoor recreational areas by being designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
The International Dark Sky Association is a Tucson-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving areas where the night sky can be viewed by present and future generations. After a two-year application process, Goblin Valley became the second Utah state park to receive the distinction: Dead Horse Point State Park was awarded for its dark skies in June.
Utah is known for its impressively dark, clear skies that offer a spectacular view of the night sky and stunning starscapes. Canyonlands National Park was awarded the Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark-Sky Association in August 2015. Only 26 other national parks and monuments in the world have received the award, including three others in Utah.
Related Stories:
Canyonlands recognized internationally for stunning starscapes
Canyonlands National Park recently received the rare award of having one of the darkest skies in America.“Those partaking in this activity understand what professional measurements have now proven: free of any significant sources of light pollution, Goblin Valley is home to one of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world,” Goblin Valley State Park manager Aaron Farmer said in a statement. “It is not uncommon to hear someone excitedly proclaim that this is the first time they have ever seen the Milky Way. In order to attain designation as a dark sky park, Goblin Valley needed more than just a pristine night sky.”
In an effort to decrease light pollution, park officials removed extraneous light fixtures and added light shielding so that lights only project downwards throughout the park. They also offer full-moon hikes and telescope viewing events at the park throughout the year.
In celebration of its new International Dark Sky Park status, Goblin Valley will be hosting a public star party on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Multiple telescopes will be available for viewing, each focusing on a different set of objects in the night sky.
Established as a state park in 1964, the “Valley of Goblins” has long held worldwide fame for its tens of thousands of short, stunted hoodoos that have been featured in several movies.
