Until a century ago, every night, everywhere in the world was dark. Our ancestors across the world enjoyed nights swimming with stars, planets, and galaxies. But today, a sky full of stars is an increasingly rare and endangered sight. In 2021, Mesa Verde National Park was certified as the 100th International Dark Sky Park, joining a growing network of refuges committed to preserving and advocating for naturally dark skies. Mesa Verde’s exceptional dark skies are an integral piece of the park’s cultural landscape and a growing draw for visitors to the region. Join Park Ranger Spencer Burke to learn more about Mesa Verde’s years-long certification efforts, what it means to be a Dark Sky Park, and why we should all care about preserving dark skies over the Four Corners region.