Monday, March 24, 2025

Area Near Lake Whakatipu Designated as Official International Dark Sky Sanctuary

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The Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary, covering around 200,000 hectares at the head of Lake Whakatipu, has been officially certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it the fifth in New Zealand and the 23rd globally. This sanctuary, which includes parts of the renowned Mt Aspiring National Park and iconic walking tracks, aims to preserve night-sky visibility while promoting public education and responsible lighting. Notably, it will be one of the few locations worldwide where visitors can witness the total solar eclipse in 2028. Local representatives emphasize the importance of cultural connections to the night sky, and the sanctuary is expected to stimulate tourism and local economies while conserving the natural environment. Community efforts are underway to secure similar dark sky status in nearby regions.

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