Did you know that Utah is home to ten International Dark Sky Parks? The designation is given to places with very low light pollution, which means that thousands of stars are visible after the sun goes down. One of Utah’s little towns earned the designation as an International Dark Sky Community earlier this year, making it the first town in Utah to have that honor.
The little community of Torrey has fewer than 200 residents. It’s a quiet, rural place that enjoys being surrounded by some of the Beehive State’s most incredible scenery.
Torrey Utah
The town was just named as an International Dark Sky Community. To earn the honor, it implemented a new outdoor lighting ordinance, and invested funds to change out lightbulbs around town and install lighting shields on fixtures so that light is directed down instead of spreading out into the skies above town.
Ken Lund/flickr
Torrey is considered the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, which is just eight miles from town.
Carl Berger Sr/flickr
Capitol Reef National Park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2015.
IIP Photo Archive/flickr
When the sun goes down, the skies above the park are filled with stars.
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
Now that the new ordinances are in effect, the streetlights and neon business lights are no longer polluting the sky with light above Torrey…
Jo Naylor/flickr
…and residents can enjoy views like this from their own backyards.
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
Are you more likely to visit Torrey now that you know about its Dark Sky Community designation?
Torrey Utah
Ken Lund/flickr
Carl Berger Sr/flickr
IIP Photo Archive/flickr
Capitol Reef National Park/Facebook
Jo Naylor/flickr
If you love stargazing, you’ll definitely want to visit more of the Beehive State’s dark sky places. Here’s an enchanting star park that will let you experience Utah like never before.
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