Its sad what we lose through progress sometimes. I am lucky to live somewhat remotely and get a 2-4 every night. But even where I am it is changing. I have worked with neighbors to quell many lights, but the big offenders are gas stations and parking lots, in adittion to the horrible new led streetlamps. While I tend to dislike more legislation, it seems it might be our last ditch at a night sky for everyone.
For anyone interested, Great Basin National Park in Eastern Nevada is a fantastic place to visit for dark skies at night and wonderful trails during the day. They have an annual astronomy festival [1] and on weekends with new moons there are several telescopes set up for public stargazing.
I've been there several times over the years and the dichotomy between lush sky island of the mountains and the seemingly lifeless desert of the Great Basin below never fails to impress.
If you're interested in finding the closest dark site near you https://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html is a fantastic resource. It inspired me to go camping at Goose Lake this summer.
One of the most amazing experiences I have had was spending time working on a US Navy ship in the south Pacific. The ship would steam at night with no external illumination. It was the darkest place I've ever been. I spent as much time as I could manage outside. The night sky was extraordinary, and I often wish I could experience a view like that again.
For me the darkest place I have ever been to was Abbey Caves in New Zealand. But I think almost any cave would work.
Obviously, you can see no sky from there though.
But still...
The darkness there was surreal. It was thick and you could almost feel it with your skin.
And all your senses go crazy.
One of the best and bizarre experiences I have ever had. Would definitely recommend (however, be careful with caves!).
I've been there several times over the years and the dichotomy between lush sky island of the mountains and the seemingly lifeless desert of the Great Basin below never fails to impress.
[1] https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/astronomy-festival.ht...
But still... The darkness there was surreal. It was thick and you could almost feel it with your skin. And all your senses go crazy.
One of the best and bizarre experiences I have ever had. Would definitely recommend (however, be careful with caves!).