Travel+Leisure (27 May 2018)

This Remote Pacific Island Could Become the World's Fifth Dark Sky Sanctuary

A Dark Sky Sanctuary is “public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.” They're at the very top of a certification process overseen by the Arizona-based International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), which also designates Dark Sky Parks and Dark Sky Reserves to protect against light pollution and preserve the night sky.

​“It will be a valid application given the islands’ isolation and quality of the night skies,” said John Barentine, IDA's Director of Conservation. “[The Pitcairn Islands] just have to make the world aware of this great resource.”

Read more: ​https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/pitcairn-islands-dark-sky-sanctuary