Experience Primordial Darkness

Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago. Its dark skies make it a haven for astronomers. Named for the large stands of black cherry trees, the 48-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. The Susquehannock Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking. Cherry Springs airport adjoins the campground.

The absence of light pollution and the extreme darkness of the night sky have astronomers proclaiming Cherry Springs to be the best choice in the northeastern United States for amateur stargazing. Cherry Springs State Park offers a large observation field set atop a hill with a 360-degree view of the sky.

Under ideal conditions, visitors can see an untold number of stars, which blanket the sky from horizon to horizon, and see near space objects like satellites, iridium flares, and the planets and moons of our solar system. Typically at the park, the Milky Way is seen as a distinct, broad band that crosses the sky. Distant galaxies, colorful nebulae, comets and other deep space objects are often seen and photographed at Cherry Springs. The broad, dark observation field is a great place to view periodic phenomena like meteor showers and Aurora Borealis (northern lights).

In April of 2000, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recognized the dark night sky as an important resource and designated Cherry Springs State Park as the first Dark Sky Province Park.

Stars-N-Parks at Cherry Springs
The National Public Observatory offers free, monthly public stargazing programs called Stars-N-Parks. Weather permitting, these programs are offered during the dark of the moon weekend nights from April through October. Volunteer educators from the National Public Observatory set up telescopes for public viewing and lecture on the wonders of the night sky. For more information, contact Harry "Chip" Harrison, Park Manager, at (814) 435-5010, or by email at lymanrunsp@state.pa.us.

As of 2005, programming has expanded at Cherry Springs with the designation of the PA WILDS. Being a Early Implementation Park, Cherry Springs now offers programming year-round in astronomy and other subject areas presented by both volunteers and park staff. See the State Parks' Calendar of Events on the DCNR web site for upcoming programs.

Today's photos, taken at Cherry Springs State Park, are by (top left) Gary Honis, and (bottom right) David Wymer. Text courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

NOTICE -- Park Advisory
6/13/2005 2:20:00 PM: Firewood Advisory: Invasive Beetles found in Firewood Threaten Forests! Before bringing firewood to a Pennsylvania State Park, please read the information in the linked page about a very real threat to forests in Pennsylvania and all of North America.

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