Saturday, February 15, 2025

Urban Park’s Dark Sky in Central Mexico Draws Stargazers Concerned About Its Longevity

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Amateur astronomers gathered at Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park, recognized as Latin America’s first urban night sky space by DarkSky International, to gaze at the cosmos against a backdrop of increasing light pollution. Nestled outside Queretaro, Mexico, the park offers stunning views of celestial events like the upcoming appearance of the Tsuchinshan-Atlas comet. Advocates like Juan Carlos Hernández, president of Queretaro’s Astronomical Society, have been fighting for the preservation of the park’s dark skies for over 20 years, emphasizing the detrimental effects of artificial lighting on biodiversity and human health. Despite their certification’s precarious status due to escalating urbanization, local astronomers remain committed to raising awareness and implementing regulations to combat light pollution. As families and enthusiasts engage under the stars, they are reminded of the urgent need to protect this precious resource for future generations.

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