An area of over 1 million hectares in the United States has recently been recognized as the darkest place for stargazing, with hopes for its expansion to more than four times its current size.
With clear skies and sparse trees, a remote region in Oregon has long been considered a paradise for stargazers.
Now, according to The Guardian, this area has been officially recognized as the largest dark sky area in the world, offering pristine views of the night sky.
Summer Lake Hot Springs Resort in southern Oregon, USA. (Photo: TRAVEL OREGON).
The remote area in Oregon received its certification this week, becoming one of 19 locations worldwide certified by DarkSky International (based in the USA).
This area is located in Lake County in southeastern Oregon, a remote region nearly half the size of New Jersey, with potential for further expansion of the recognized area.
According to a statement from DarkSky International, the night sky here is among the darkest in the world, and this certification ensures that the area is protected.
“As Oregon’s population grows and light pollution continues to increase, the scale and unparalleled quality of the dark sky in this remote area will serve as a long-term sanctuary for both humans and wildlife,” said Dawn Nilson, an environmental consultant who prepared the certification proposal.
This desert region is also one of the oldest known human habitations in North America and part of a crucial migratory bird flyway, as well as an important habitat for bighorn sheep and sage-grouse.
According to the Southern Oregon Tourism Agency, the sky here is often described as “pitch black or velvet black”, due to its isolation and the absence of buildings and power lines.
Tourism officials hope that this designation will help promote tourism in the region in a way that benefits the local community. However, they warn that visitors need to prepare thoroughly as the area is extremely remote.
