Visitors flock to McDonald Observatory, drawn by the dark skies that allow stunning views of stars and constellations. The park, situated at 6,800 feet, is a rarity as North America's night skies are dimming due to light pollution. Despite this trend, the Big Bend area's efforts to implement dark-sky friendly lighting and collaborate with oil and gas operators have preserved its clear celestial views. Events like star parties maintain community engagement, with about 75,000 attendees annually marveling at the cosmos.
"It just feels amazing looking up seeing all these different constellations," said Maya Howitt. The girl is here with her parents, Emma and Cameron Howitt, and the three of them are taking turns looking through a telescope that's pointed at a pair of stars in the 'handle' of the Big Dipper.
"It makes me feel kind of small not insignificant, but small, just part of this whole cosmos that we live in," said Cameron Howitt.
Recent research shows the night sky in North America is getting brighter every year - on average, researchers say, you can see about 10 percent fewer stars than the year before.
Over the last several years, astronomers and conservationists in the region have worked with cities and counties on lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution.
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