NIGHT SKY AND DARK ENVIRONMENTS: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ARTIFICIAL LIGHT AT NIGHT ON BLM-MANAGED LANDS TECHNICAL NOTE 457 7 played key roles in other human endeavors, such as navigation, the sciences of mathematics, astronomy, physics, astrophysics, and the practice of astrology (Krupp 1984). The knowledge and insights gained through these endeavors have had far-reaching effects on our modern culture and worldview. Throughout the world, including the lands that would eventually become the Western United States, early inhabitants built monuments, temples, and other important structures to align with celestial bodies or events, such as the summer solstice (Malville 1991). Chaco Culture National Historical Park is famous for its numerous celestially aligned structures and petroglyphs and pictographs that record important astronomical events (NPS 2016a), and it is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.2 This recognition shows a commitment by people of today to preserve darkness and star visibility similar to what would have been seen more than a thousand years ago. Efforts like these allow for a continuation of shared human experience across generations and an enhanced understanding of a past time and culture. In the modern world, many societies enjoy cultural values associated with the night sky. People the world over have woven the night sky into their mythologies and cultural and religious values (Brady 2013). Knowledge of the night sky is important to many aspects of various cultures including storytelling, symbolism, art, architecture, and religious practices. For example, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians in Arizona has been designated as an International Dark Sky Community. Roland Maldonado, Kaibab Paiute Tribal Chairperson, stated, “We acknowledge the immense value dark skies bring to our traditions, conservation of wildlife, and to future generations.” Kaibab Paiute Tribe Environmental Department Director Daniel Bulletts stated, “The Kaibab Paiute Tribe and its people have depended on the night sky for guidance, cultural awareness and preparedness for life’s great journey upon [M]other [E]arth” (IDA 2015). 2 The International Dark-Sky Association defines an International Dark Sky Park as “a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment, and that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and/or cultural heritage resources, and/or for public enjoyment” (IDA 2018). Poster for the Kaibab Band of Southern Paiute Indians International NightSky Nation. Tyler Nordgren Astronomical rock art at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Glowing cedar bark houses built by local Dumma, Kechayi, and Western Mono tribal members in California in partnership with the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area. This practice provides a glimpse of the world before artificial light was present.
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