Arches National Park, Utah • Arches National Park in southern Utah is now certified as an International Dark Sky Park.

The National Park Service and the International Dark-Sky Association said in a joint announcement Friday that the designation recognizes the park's "quality night skies and a commitment to protecting and sharing natural darkness."

Steps taken by park officials to receive the designation include replacing light fixtures with fully-shielded bulbs to minimize glare and light emissions.

According to the announcement, the designation will help Arches grow astronomy programs and encourages astronomy-based tourism in nearby communities.

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The designation will be celebrated Sept. 21 during a ceremony and star party at the newly completed Panorama Point stargazing area within the park.