CBS This Morning (12 August 2016)

Why Grand Canyon's new distinction is "life-changing" for stargazers

With its red rocks and roaming Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is stunning enough by day. But seeing the park in daylight is only half the story as we watched astronomers gathered for a "Star Party." They set up high-powered telescopes to stare deep into outer space.

It's an event that's historic this summer, because the Grand Canyon was just named the newest park to be certified as "Dark Sky," only the 12th national park to earn the distinction. A rigorous process through the International Dark-Sky Association, whose mission to protect the natural sky from man-made glare, leads to this official designation, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor.
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"It is a big deal. I mean, you're talking about one of the most well-known national parks in the world. And now to have added something like this is a huge accomplishment for this park. We're very excited," said John Barentine of the International Dark-Sky Association.

Watch: ​http://www.cbsnews.com/news/grand-canyon-star-party-dark-sky-designation/