What are Dark Sky Places?
They are communities, parks and protected areas around the world where residents and officials have recognized the ecologic and economic value of dark skies as a resource. Dark Sky Places are certified through the award-winning International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program, which was founded in 2001 to encourage preservation and protection of dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
The International Dark Sky Places Program offers five certification categories:
International Dark Sky Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries are the most remote (and often darkest) places in the world whose conservation state is most fragile.International Dark Sky Parks
Parks are publicly- or privately-owned spaces protected for natural conservation that implement good outdoor lighting and provide dark sky programs for visitors.International Dark Sky Reserves
Reserves consist of a dark “core” zone surrounded by a populated periphery where policy controls are enacted to protect the darkness of the core.Urban Night Sky Places
Urban Night Sky Places are sites near or surrounded by large urban environs whose planning and design actively promote an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of significant artificial light at night.International Dark Sky Communities
Communities are legally organized cities and towns that adopt quality outdoor lighting ordinances and undertake efforts to educate residents about the importance of dark skies.
In addition, the program previously included one additional designation category:
Dark Sky Friendly Developments of Distinction (retired 2020)
Dark Sky Friendly Developments of Distinction recognized subdivisions, master planned communities, and unincorporated neighborhoods and townships whose planning actively promotes a more natural night sky but did not qualify them for the International Dark Sky Community designation.
Where are the International Dark Sky Places located?
As of January 2023, there are 201 certified Dark Sky Places in the world. These include 115 Parks, 38 Communities, 20 Reserves, 16 Sanctuaries, 6 Urban Night Sky Places, and 6 Dark Sky Friendly Developments of Distinction. See where they are located on our interactive map.
How are International Dark Sky Places certified?
DarkSky International certifies Dark Sky Places following a rigorous application process requiring applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark-sky protection and document designation-specific program requirements.
Applications are reviewed periodically by an DarkSky International standing committee composed of dark-sky experts and previously successful program applicants. Regular status updates after certification ensure that IDSPs continue their commitment to dark-sky preservation.
Upon certification, DarkSky International works with certified places to promote their work through media relations, member communications, and social media. An International Dark Sky Place certification helps enhance the visibility of designated locations and foster increased tourism and local economic activity.