Imagine basking in the enchanting beauty of Owachomo Bridge, a stunning natural formation in southeast Utah, where the Milky Way illuminates the night sky. Formed thousands of years ago by a river cutting through solid rock, this majestic bridge offers a rare glimpse into the cosmos, reminiscent of what the ancestral Puebloans saw 800 years ago. With National Parks protecting some of the nation’s darkest skies, visitors can observe up to 15,000 stars, a stark contrast to the fewer than 500 visible in urban areas. As light pollution poses a threat to nocturnal wildlife and disrupts natural rhythms, Natural Bridges National Monument has taken significant steps to safeguard its dark skies. Certified as the first International Dark Sky Park in 2007, it aims to raise awareness about light pollution and promote responsible lighting practices. For more information on the park and its initiatives, visit the International Dark Sky Association’s site.