Located in Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is home to some of the darkest night skies on the East Coast. Astronomers and stargazers from all over the country flock to this small park just to look up at the stars.
The darkness of the area and the clarity found in the sky makes Chery Springs perhaps the last best refuge of the natural night sky. Like any other resource, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has worked hard to preserve the views above Cherry Springs designating it the Commonwealth’s first Dark Sky Park.
The International Dark-Sky Association named it the second "International Dark Sky Park.”
And the views. They are simply divine. On clear nights, you can see the heavenly bodies circling above. Laying on a blanket in the park’s Night Sky Public Viewing Area, you can watch shooting stars, meteor showers and the Milky Way pass overhead.
In a country and Commonwealth riddled with light pollution, it’s a special place to see special things.
On this episode, we speak with Park Manager Ben Stone to learn all about this spectacular park.
Photo courtesy of Curt Weinhold
Visit his website for more examples of his wonderful photography
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Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.
Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis
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