NAGEEZI, N.M. (AP) Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico is being recognized for its dark skies. Park officials say Chaco's natural nighttime darkness and commitment to reducing light pollution have led to its certification as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. Chaco is the 12th park to receive the designation worldwide and only the fourth in the national park system.
The acting park superintendent, Larry Turk, says as light pollution becomes more common, people are seeking out places like Chaco so they can get a glimpse of the stars. Due to Chaco's remote location, the park's night sky is nearly pristine.
Since 2002, technicians have been monitoring natural and human-introduced light levels at the park. A recent report says Chaco's night sky remains among the darkest in the park system.
