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West Virginia stargazing opportunities highlighted by dark-sky association

Three West Virginia state-owned parks have been designated Certified International Dark Sky Parks


The state's Department of Tourism is offering dark-sky-themed prizes as part of a campaign to encourage stargazing in W.Va. state parks, including at Watoga State Park, seen above.   Photo Courtesy West Virginia Department of Transportation

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Those with eyes for the sky now have more opportunities to stargaze in the Mountain State thanks to a designation from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

As part of a partnership with West Virginia’s Department of Tourism, the IDA has designated three state-owned parks as part of their Certified IDA International Dark Sky Parks, according to information on the IDA website.

West Virginia’s designated Dark Sky Parks include Watoga State Park in Marlinton; Calvin Price State Forest, also in Marlinton; and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Hillsboro.

A Dark Sky Park is “land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational...


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Michael Ramsburg is a West Virginia-based writer and journalist. He can be reached by email at michael@ramsburgreports.com or via text at (304) 370-3067. Twitter: @ramsburgreports

West Virginia stargazing opportunities highlighted by dark-sky association