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ARCO — The International Dark-Sky Association granted silver-tier International Dark Sky Park status to Craters of the Moon National Monument.

“The Milky Way stretching across the park’s incredibly dark night sky is a sight many visitors will never forget,” Craters Superintendent Wade Vagias said in a release. “With this designation, the International Dark-Sky Association recognizes the importance of the natural darkness found here.”

Park staff made efforts to ensure that park lighting is “night-sky friendly” with bulbs and fixtures that focus light downward. Park management documents state the value of night skies and the park’s commitment to protect them.

Named for its resemblance to the lunar surface, the Craters landscape has served as a stand-in for many planetary bodies. In 1969, the second group of astronauts who landed on the lunar surface first made a visit to Craters of the Moon to learn about volcanic geology. Now the lava landscape is providing a research venue for NASA scientists laying groundwork for journeys to Mars and beyond.

The Idaho Falls Astronomical Society has provided night sky viewing events at Craters for more than 25 years. The next Star Party is Sept. 22-23.

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