If you've ever visited Badlands National Park overnight, you've certainly noticed the starry night skies. Because the park experiences almost no light pollution, you'll see many more stars that you will in one of South Dakota's larger cities and towns.
When you've spent the day exploring Badlands National Park, and the sun is starting to set, you might start packing up to go, but wait!
Don't leave yet! Stay awhile and see the incredible star show that's about to unfold all around you.
The show might start with just a sliver of moon...
...but soon, the stars start to show up in the night sky.
With nearly no light pollution, Badlands National Park's skies are full of shiny stars.
In fact, you might see as many as 7,500 stars in the night sky!
This visitor to the park captured a gorgeous shot of the Milky Way.
While Badlands National Park may be crowded with visitors during the day, it's a completely different place at night.
The peaceful stillness of the park at night is a unique experience. Watch the stars come out, and spend some time just quietly stargazing. This is a magical place when you're surrounded by the beauty of the heavens.
The park hosts a Night Sky Program Friday - Monday nights during summer months.
Park rangers will present a one-hour program at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater on these nights, and you'll be able to view the heavens through telescopes.
The park also celebrates the stars at its annual Badlands Astrology Festival every July.
Do you have any photos of Badlands National Park's starry skies? If so, share them with us in the comments!
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