This Unspoken Parking Rule Is Crucial To Help Everyone Enjoy Stargazing At Dark Sky Parks

When you get caught up in everyday life, it takes a lot to slow down and look up. That's why communities all over the world have curated designated "Dark Sky Places," or parks with low light pollution. These areas, usually remote or conveniently situated in darker areas, attract stargazers from all over who come to enjoy the stunning constellations in the night sky. While cities and suburbs usually have the highest levels of light pollution from streetlights, cars, and buildings, Dark Sky Places strive to stay as light-free during the nighttime as possible, allowing the natural appearance of the sky to shine.

To maintain the level of dark serenity needed to see the stars, visitors need to be extra mindful of their light impact in these parks. The biggest rule of thumb while parking at a Dark Sky Place is to simply turn your headlights off. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for human eyes to fully adapt to darkness. If you then see any form of white light, like headlights from a vehicle, you will have to wait for your eyes to adapt all over again. So, leaving your headlights on can interrupt the experience for your fellow stargazers and is often considered an unspoken faux pas. If you're planning to camp under the stars or just enjoy the sky for a night, keep reading to learn how you can be a respectful gazer.

One of the best ways to get your bearings at a Dark Sky Place is to arrive a decent amount of time before the sun sets. If it's more convenient, look for urban night sky spots closer to your home so you can easily arrive earlier in the day. If you drive up after dark with your headlights (even the daytime lights) on, you risk disrupting those who have already settled in and adjusted to the darkness. Showing up in the daylight will also help you pick out an unintrusive spot, and it gives you the opportunity to speak to other visitors. Avoid entering and exiting the car throughout the night so you don't trigger any automatic lights — if you can, turning them off before you arrive is even better. If you aren't staying at the park overnight, be sure to park with your headlights facing away from the observation area. That way, when you head out, you minimize the disruption to the pleasant darkness other stargazers are enjoying.

Speaking to regulars is another way to learn the unofficial rules at your local park. For example, users in astronomy forums suggest that visitors use the bathroom before the sun sets in parks that have motion-sensored outdoor lights. This can be a major inconvenience at certain parks and not an issue at all at others. Researching your local park and chatting with frequent visitors can give you a heads up on specific bits of unspoken camping etiquette in Dark Sky Places without having to learn the hard way.