Communicating Darkness
Visitor Preferences for Dark Sky Interpretation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22420975 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Zachary A Russell (0000-0002-0242-0231, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, corresponding author), J Adam Beeco (0000-0002-4233-7061, National Park Service), Zachary D Miller (0000-0001-9909-1202, National Operations Center, Bureau of Land Management, Denver, CO, USA), Emily Wilkins (0000-0003-3055-4808, U.S. Geological Survey, Ft. Collins Science Center, CO, USA), Anna B Miller (0000-0002-4919-8156, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA), Chase C Lamborn (0000-0003-0854-6270, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA), Jordan W Smith (0000-0001-7036-4887, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 27-47 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Interpretation Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1092-5872 • E-ISSN: 2692-9376 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10925872261417304 |
| OpenAlex | W7130720358 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 49 |
Utah parks are attracting an increasing number of visitors due to the quality dark sky viewing opportunities. Despite increasing engagement in nighttime recreation, limited research exists on visitor interest in interpretation for dark skies in state and national parks. Nighttime visitors at nine Utah state and national park units certified as dark sky parks were surveyed to evaluate their preferences for dark sky-related interpretive topics and communication methods. Visitors expressed the strongest interest in astronomy and improving dark sky viewing, with ranger-led programs emerging as the most favored delivery method. National park visitors showed greater interest than state park visitors in self-guided learning formats such as interpretive displays and mobile apps for topics such as dark sky viewing/astronomy and viewing wildlife at night. These findings highlight the benefits of diverse, yet targeted communication strategies to improve visitor experiences of dark skies and foster stewardship of natural darkness in parks.
Citizen science · National park · Sky · Visitor pattern · Wildlife · Impact of Light on Environment and Health · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Urban Green Space and Health
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| Highly cited | No |
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