REMOTE SANDHILLS RESERVOIR DECLARED AN 'INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK'

VALENTINE- Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, southwest of Valentine and located in Nebraska's sandhills, has been officially certified as an 'international dark sky park.'

The reservoir has hosted annual 'Nebraska Star Parties' for 29 years, usually during moonless nights in July. Because of its remote location, the reservoir has almost no light pollution, allowing for stunning views of the Milky Way.

The site draws hundreds of professional and amateur astronomers each year, who set up their telescopes on the state campgrounds.

Tim McCoy, director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, was overjoyed to hear the news, saying, "We're thrilled and honored to have Merritt Reservoir be given this prestigious distinction. It's another great reason to visit this well-known park."

Merritt Reservoir is the first Nebraska park to be given the dark-sky distinction by the International Dark-Sky Association, a recognized authority on light pollution. Other parts of the countries have been given similar distinctions, including dark-sky reserves, dark-sky sanctuaries, and urban night sky places.

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