West of the Pecos the night skies have long been an iconic element of the landscape, a tradition that dates back centuries to the days of the dreaded Comanche Moon. More recently, the nighttime vistas have been the subject of endless scrutiny by astronomers just 17 miles north of Fort Davis at the world renowned University of Texas McDonald Observatory atop 6,800-foot Mount Locke. Read more
Big Bend National Park Designated as International Dark Sky Park
The stars at night are big and bright in Texas Big Bend National Park. The park was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park, one of now just ten in the world. Big Bend National Park (BBNP) came in at the Gold Tier level meaning that the skies above the park are free from all but the most minor impacts of light pollution. Read more (PDF)