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International Astronomical Union, and the World Tourism Organization.
Starlight certifications accredit sites as Starlight Touristic Destinations,
Starlight Reserves, and so forth. These accreditations are awarded following a
stringent protocol, an essential prerequisite being the acquisition and confirmation of data on the astronomical quality of the dark sky of the site concerned through audits carried out by independent experts. These are a solid
guarantee that at sites so accredited the night sky may be observed and
enjoyed.
Starlight Touristic Destinations are accessible territories that enjoy excellent conditions for observing the night sky and, being protected from light
pollution, are particularly apt for the development of touristic activities based
on that natural resource.
To receive their certifications, these spaces must not only prove, with measurements made in situ, the quality of their skies but must also guarantee their
protection, have adequate infrastructures, and personnel trained to conduct
groups during the night, and observe and interpret the firmament, thus
spreading astronomical knowledge. Later, independent auditors pay a visit,
confirm the data provided, and send a report to the Foundation with their
assessment and any recommendations that they see fit to make. Finally, if all
is in order, the Foundation issues the corresponding Starlight certification.
Starlight Reserves are territories which, independently of the protection
they already enjoy as biosphere reserves, natural parks, etc., have the additional qualification and guarantee, through this certification, of their skies.
This allows them to incorporate enjoyment of the night sky into their other
cultural, scientific, landscape, and natural resources.
In order for the auditors to take action they must adopt a series of reference
parameters for astronomical quality with their corresponding limiting values.
These were defined at a meeting of experts at the headquarters of the World
Tourism Organization of the United Nations. Of decisive importance was the
expertise of the IAC’s Sky Quality Group, led by Dr Casiana Muñoz and of
which Dr Toñi Varela also forms part. It was the increasing involvement of Dr
Varela in Starlight certifications, combined with her good nature and cordiality, that has won her great popularity among those who manage tourist destinations and Starlight reserves.
The Starlight Foundation has extended its activities to rural houses, hotels,
paradors, camping sites, star parks, stellaria, and other establishments which,
besides formally adhering to the principles expressed in the La Palma
Declaration, offer their clients astronomy outreach activities and facilities for
observing the sky.
23 The Starlight Foundation…
International Astronomical Union, and the World Tourism Organization.
Starlight certifications accredit sites as Starlight Touristic Destinations,
Starlight Reserves, and so forth. These accreditations are awarded following a
stringent protocol, an essential prerequisite being the acquisition and confirmation of data on the astronomical quality of the dark sky of the site concerned through audits carried out by independent experts. These are a solid
guarantee that at sites so accredited the night sky may be observed and
enjoyed.
Starlight Touristic Destinations are accessible territories that enjoy excellent conditions for observing the night sky and, being protected from light
pollution, are particularly apt for the development of touristic activities based
on that natural resource.
To receive their certifications, these spaces must not only prove, with measurements made in situ, the quality of their skies but must also guarantee their
protection, have adequate infrastructures, and personnel trained to conduct
groups during the night, and observe and interpret the firmament, thus
spreading astronomical knowledge. Later, independent auditors pay a visit,
confirm the data provided, and send a report to the Foundation with their
assessment and any recommendations that they see fit to make. Finally, if all
is in order, the Foundation issues the corresponding Starlight certification.
Starlight Reserves are territories which, independently of the protection
they already enjoy as biosphere reserves, natural parks, etc., have the additional qualification and guarantee, through this certification, of their skies.
This allows them to incorporate enjoyment of the night sky into their other
cultural, scientific, landscape, and natural resources.
In order for the auditors to take action they must adopt a series of reference
parameters for astronomical quality with their corresponding limiting values.
These were defined at a meeting of experts at the headquarters of the World
Tourism Organization of the United Nations. Of decisive importance was the
expertise of the IAC’s Sky Quality Group, led by Dr Casiana Muñoz and of
which Dr Toñi Varela also forms part. It was the increasing involvement of Dr
Varela in Starlight certifications, combined with her good nature and cordiality, that has won her great popularity among those who manage tourist destinations and Starlight reserves.
The Starlight Foundation has extended its activities to rural houses, hotels,
paradors, camping sites, star parks, stellaria, and other establishments which,
besides formally adhering to the principles expressed in the La Palma
Declaration, offer their clients astronomy outreach activities and facilities for
observing the sky.
23 The Starlight Foundation…