JASPER DARK SKY PRESERVE
Did you know that in 2011, Jasper National Park became the world’s largest dark sky preserve? Jasper is a world leader among these 40+ ‘astronomy parks’ where local bylaws defend the night against urban light pollution…
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada officially designated Jasper National Park as a Dark Sky Preserve in April of 2011.
At 11,228km2, Jasper is the largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, and the only preserve in Canada with a town wholly within the preserve.
Most of Jasper National Park has excellent dark skies; the southern part of the park boasts truly dark skies.
Observing in Jasper Dark Sky Preserve
This is one of the only areas in southwestern Canada with exceptional darkness, yet is accessible by year-round road and offers multiple accommodation facilities.
- Astronomy and aurora forecast in Jasper for tonight
- Read the article in Canadian Geographic describing the process to create the Preserve,
- and the article in the local Fitzhugh newspaper describing what it means for the park and the community.
- This introduction to the Dark Sky Preserve describes the preserve in more detail.
Souce: Rogier Gruys, Parks Canada, Canadian Geographic
The Jasper Planetarium is the only regular astronomy attraction in Jasper Dark Sky Preserve