The world’s first ‘dark sky nation’

Posted by Anita Froneman on 11 March 2020

In a world where air and light pollution are urgent concerns, astrotourism is becoming harder to do. This entails travelling to destinations with low levels of light pollution with the intention to experience all the wonders the night sky has to offer.

Going to dark, remote spots far away from civilisation to see the Milky Way in all its glory can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Comets burning out, lunar eclipses and other astronomical phenomena are what make astrotourism so exciting.

Star gazers will be especially happy to learn that the world’s first official dark sky nation is the island of Niue, a small independent nation in the South Pacific Ocean near Samoa.

The country has received formal accreditation from the International Dark Sky Association, a non-profit organization that aims to protect the nighttime environment through the promotion of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting that lessens light pollution world wide.

‘Widespread use of artificial light at night has reduced our view of the universe, and can negatively impact our environment, our energy consumption and our health,’ The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Instagram.

‘Niue hopes their unique status will encourage travelers from far and wide to come and experience unparalleled stargazing.’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A big congrats to #Niue 🇳🇺 on becoming the first country in the world to be registered as an International Dark-Sky Association ‘Dark Skies Place’ in its entirety 🌠 This title recognises that the whole of Niue has an exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting their nocturnal environment. Less than 100 years ago, everyone could look up and see a spectacular starry night sky 🌌 But widespread use of artificial light at night has reduced our view of the universe, and can negatively impact our environment, our energy consumption and our health. Niue hopes their unique status will encourage travelers from far and wide to come and experience unparalleled stargazing. Our High Commission to Niue was pleased to fund the villages of Liku and Lakepa to convert their street lighting to low “skyglow” IDA-approved light, and to work with the Niue Chamber of Commerce to offer training for a number of small businesses to get ready for their new starry-eyed visitors ✨ 📸: Mark Russell

A post shared by NZ in the Pacific (@mfat_pacific) on

Niue has now been declared an International Dark Sky Sanctuary according to Lonely Planet, which means they have implemented various measures including full street-light replacements for the entire island and the upgrading of domestic private lighting.

‘Visitors will be able to enjoy guided astro-tours led by trained Niuean community members,’ Felicity Bollen, CEO of Niue Tourism told Lonely Planet. ‘They will witness the wonder of a night sky illuminated by thousands of stars.’

Image: Instagram/mfat_pacific

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