“I am extremely pleased with the partnership and partners who came together to improve this important park resource. I also wish to thank our park’s maintenance employees, who provided expertise and services that helped this project become a reality.” – Big Bend National Park Superintendent Bill Wellman
Big Bend National Park has among the darkest and most dramatic night sky vistas in the lower 48 states, and is an excellent place for astronomers of all experience levels to enjoy the night sky. In addition, many visitors to the park enjoy the increased visibility of the night sky as a resource and experience in and of itself. With the newly installed night sky lighting this important resource will remain available and more accessible for years to follow.
Thanks to grants from the National Parks Foundation, the Friends of Big Bend National Park, Forever Resorts, Inc., and park staff, Big Bend’s future looks darker. Grants from these agencies will allow the Big Bend Night Sky Project to improve its night sky significantly.The project itself helps reduce light pollution, energy consumption, and unnecessary lighting. For instance, the 480 watt main lighting fixture at the Panther junction’s visitor centre has been replaced by a shielded 14 watt bulb.
