Virginia has something to boast about- we are officially the dark sky capital of the east coast.

With more International Dark-Sky Parks than any other state east of the Mississippi River, Virginia is the stargazing capital of the east coast.

Last month, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) awarded International Dark Sky Park status to Natural Bridge State Park in Rockbridge County and Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County.  Along with Staunton River State Park, James River State Park and Rappahannock County Park, that brings the official Dark-Sky designation count in Virginia up to five.

According to Inside Hook, Amy Oliver, Public Information & News Manager for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, says, “Designated dark-sky locations, including parks, cities, sanctuaries, etc., go through a rigorous application process to prove that they are committed to protecting dark skies from over-pollution by man made light. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a designated dark-sky location has no light at all. Dark-sky cities have light, but take extraordinary measures to minimize their impact on the night sky.”

(InsideHook)