This article was originally published on August 30, 2022.
National parks can show us some of the intrinsic beauty of our planet. From roaring waterfalls to vast, red canyons, jagged snow-capped mountains and serene, blue glacial pools.
But, as the sun sets and the stars begin to dot the night sky, national parks can also help us see far beyond our own planet. National parks may be a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast, but they are also a paradise for the night sky enthusiast. Here is why you should visit national parks after dark.
"Half the park is after dark."
"Half the park is after dark" is more than a clever saying; it's a way of life — especially for Tyler Nordgren. He's an artist, astronomer and national park enthusiast who coined the phrase and illustrated the accompanying poster series for the national parks. The posters depict the midnight blue sky streaked with the vastness of the Milky Way. They usually portray a star-lit silhouette of one of the park's driving attractions, and most posters will mention "See the Milky Way" or "Half the Park is After Dark." They are vital in spreading awareness of one of the national parks' best features.
