The light bulb is without a doubt one of the most important inventions throughout all of human history. The problem is all this manufactured light creates a pervading glow, transforming our nighttime landscape.
An untainted night sky teeming with stars is one of the most beautiful sights we can behold. Throughout time, the beauty of the natural night sky inspired both the arts and sciences. It's an experiential, inspirational and revealing sight.
Now, due to artificial light, millions are deprived of the myriad of stars that compose the dazzling night sky. You are likely familiar with Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" painting, which he painted in 1889 in Saint Remy, France. Today, you can no longer witness the Milky Way from there.
In addition to artificial light's intrusion to the night sky, light pollution is also impacting our energy consumption and health. It's estimated by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) that at least 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the United States alone is wasted -- costing $3.3 billion and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide.
Additionally, researchers suggest that artificial light at night can negatively affect human health by increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer and more.
It's reasons like these that make the presence of Dark Sky Preserves all the more vital. Dark Sky Preserves usually surround a park or observatory and are kept free of artificial light pollution. And Alpena, Michigan is an optimal area for this dark sky experience.
Located miles away from any major metropolitan area, Alpena rests in an area that provides a night sky bereft of light pollution.
Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park are three recently designated Dark Sky Preserves located close to Alpena. Whether you are a frequent stargazer or someone who's just curious, these are wondrous places for viewing the cosmos.
Located 11 miles north of Alpena, Rockport is Michigan's 100th State Park and features an abandoned limestone quarry, more than a dozen sinkholes, fossils, a bat hibernaculumn, historic ghost village and more. One could easily spend a day here exploring until the night sky reveals its gifts.
Thompson's Harbor State Park is 26 miles north of Alpena and offers hiking trails through varying terrain and seven miles of Lake Huron shoreline.
Twenty miles south of Alpena is Negwegon State Park, which is both rugged and pristine.
At all three locations you can witness the majestic night sky replete with stars, meteors, planets, moons and even the aurora borealis on occasion. These parks are among the lowest measured in light pollution in the Great Lakes, providing an inspiring sky many can't regularly experience.
In Michigan, these are among the last few areas to witness the night sky in its near-natural state. These parks are an opportunity for a return to the magnificent beauty of Mother Nature's dark cover while Alpena serves as your base camp. And better yet, these parks also offer plenty of daytime activities as you anxiously await all of the night sky's curios.
Learn more on how you can build your Alpena Dark Sky Preserve experience at visitalpena.com.