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32-576: The park was established in 1979, and it encompasses 2,796 acres (4.37 sq mi; 11.32 km) surrounding the Lake Hudson reservoir. Lake Hudson is recognized as the first dark-sky preserve in the United States, when it was designated as such in 1993. It is governed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is operated and maintained by the nearby Hayes State Park in the northern portion of

64-690: A large percentage of clear nights per year, dry air, and are at high elevations. At high elevations, the Earth's atmosphere is thinner, thereby minimizing the effects of atmospheric turbulence and resulting in better astronomical " seeing ". Sites that meet the above criteria for modern observatories include the southwestern United States , Hawaii , Canary Islands , the Andes , and high mountains in Mexico such as Sierra Negra . Major optical observatories include Mauna Kea Observatory and Kitt Peak National Observatory in

96-454: A particular geographic area ( European Audiovisual Observatory ). Astronomical observatories are mainly divided into four categories: space-based , airborne , ground-based, and underground-based. Historically, ground-based observatories were as simple as containing an astronomical sextant (for measuring the distance between stars ) or Stonehenge (which has some alignments on astronomical phenomena). Ground-based observatories, located on

128-585: A remote 5,640 m (18,500 ft) mountaintop in the Atacama Desert of Chile. The oldest proto-observatories, in the sense of an observation post for astronomy, The oldest true observatories, in the sense of a specialized research institute , include: Space-based observatories are telescopes or other instruments that are located in outer space , many in orbit around the Earth. Space telescopes can be used to observe astronomical objects at wavelengths of

160-519: A semi-modern campground consisting of 50 campsites. The campground features electrical hookups but no sewer connections or shower facilities, and a hand pump is the only source of potable water . There are vault toilets in the campground, boating access site, and the day-use beach area. The forest area surrounding Lake Hudson is commonly used for seasonal game hunting , including waterfowl , turkey , and deer hunting . The forest contains numerous trails, but motorized vehicles are not permitted off

192-419: A week at the absolute reference point calibration measurements are performed. Example magnetic observatories include: Example seismic observation projects and observatories include: Example gravitational wave observatories include: A volcano observatory is an institution that conducts the monitoring of a volcano as well as research in order to understand the potential impacts of active volcanism. Among

224-833: Is a facility which precisely measures the total intensity of Earth's magnetic field for field strength and direction at standard intervals. Geomagnetic observatories are most useful when located away from human activities to avoid disturbances of anthropogenic origin, and the observation data is collected at a fixed location continuously for decades. Magnetic observations are aggregated, processed, quality checked and made public through data centers such as INTERMAGNET . The types of measuring equipment at an observatory may include magnetometers (torsion, declination-inclination fluxgate, proton precession, Overhauser-effect), variometer (3-component vector, total-field scalar), dip circle , inclinometer , earth inductor, theodolite , self-recording magnetograph, magnetic declinometer, azimuth compass. Once

256-485: Is a location used for observing terrestrial, marine, or celestial events. Astronomy , climatology / meteorology , geophysics , oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. The term observatoire has been used in French since at least 1976 to denote any institution that compiles and presents data on a particular subject (such as public health observatory ) or for

288-444: Is a scientific institution whose main task is to make observations in the fields of meteorology, geomagnetism and tides that are important for the navy and civil shipping. An astronomical observatory is usually also attached. Some of these observatories also deal with nautical weather forecasts and storm warnings, astronomical time services, nautical calendars and seismology. Example marine observatories include: A magnetic observatory

320-623: Is a well known fishing destination, as it is frequently stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with walleye and muskellunge . The largest muskellunge caught in Lake Hudson is recorded in the state's Master Angler Entries at 47 inches (119 cm) long. Several similarly sized muskellunges are also listed. In addition to walleye and muskellunge, other fish species in the lake include black crappie , bluegill , channel catfish , largemouth bass , pumpkinseed , and yellow perch . The Lake Hudson State Recreation Area includes

352-488: Is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory , that restricts or reduces light pollution or maintains and protects naturally dark night skies. Different terms have been used to describe these areas as national organizations and governments have worked independently to create programs. DarkSky International (DarkSky) uses "International Dark Sky Reserve" (IDSR) and "International Dark Sky Park" (IDSP) among others when certifying Dark Sky Places. DarkSky International

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384-518: Is clear that preserving natural darkness has positive effects on the health of nocturnal wildlife within the parks. For example, the nocturnal black-footed ferret was reintroduced to the Grasslands National Park dark-sky preserve and the success of the reintroduction is enhanced by the pristine natural darkness maintained within the park by the DSP agreement. Observatory An observatory

416-648: Is that, because of their location above the Earth's atmosphere, their images are free from the effects of atmospheric turbulence that plague ground-based observations. As a result, the angular resolution of space telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope is often much smaller than a ground-based telescope with a similar aperture . However, all these advantages do come with a price. Space telescopes are much more expensive to build than ground-based telescopes. Due to their location, space telescopes are also extremely difficult to maintain. The Hubble Space Telescope

448-599: Is the Mauna Kea Observatory , located near the summit of a 4,205 m (13,796 ft) volcano in Hawaiʻi. The Chacaltaya Astrophysical Observatory in Bolivia, at 5,230 m (17,160 ft), was the world's highest permanent astronomical observatory from the time of its construction during the 1940s until 2009. It has now been surpassed by the new University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory , an optical-infrared telescope on

480-467: The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy use airplanes to observe in the infrared , which is absorbed by water vapor in the atmosphere. High-altitude balloons for X-ray astronomy have been used in a variety of countries. Example underground, underwater or under ice neutrino observatories include: Example meteorological observatories include: A marine observatory

512-773: The International Dark Sky Community designation. This designation was retired in 2020. Further designations include "Dark Sky Nation", given to the Kaibab Indian Reservation , and "Parashant International Night Sky Province-Window to the Cosmos", given to Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument . As of January 2023, there are 201 certified Dark Sky Places globally: 38 Communities, 115 Parks, 20 Reserves, 16 Sanctuaries, 6 Developments of Distinction and 6 Urban Night Sky Places. Walnut Canyon National Monument / Wupatki National Monument Some regions, like

544-620: The US, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in Spain, and Paranal Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile . Specific research study performed in 2009 shows that the best possible location for ground-based observatory on Earth is Ridge A  — a place in the central part of Eastern Antarctica. This location provides the least atmospheric disturbances and best visibility. Beginning in 1933, radio telescopes have been built for use in

576-402: The county. The main geographic feature of the recreation area is Lake Hudson (sometimes referred to as Hudson Lake). The lake has a surface area of 502 acres (2.03 km) and a maximum depth of 24 feet (7.3 m). The lake was originally three separate smaller lakes called Bear Lake, Covell Lake, and Haley Lake. All three lakes were individual water bodies and connected by Bear Creek until

608-411: The creation of a small earthen dam at the southern end of Bear Lake eventually flooded the area and connected the three lakes, which are combined today as Lake Hudson. Lake Hudson contains a single public access boat ramp. Despite the lake's larger size, the entire lake is designated as a "no- wake " lake. While motorized vessels are permitted, it is unlawful to move at speeds creating a wake. The lake

640-463: The electromagnetic spectrum that cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and are thus impossible to observe using ground-based telescopes. The Earth's atmosphere is opaque to ultraviolet radiation, X-rays , and gamma rays and is partially opaque to infrared radiation so observations in these portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are best carried out from a location above the atmosphere of our planet. Another advantage of space-based telescopes

672-406: The entire upper portion of the telescope dome can be rotated to allow the instrument to observe different sections of the night sky. Radio telescopes usually do not have domes. For optical telescopes, most ground-based observatories are located far from major centers of population, to avoid the effects of light pollution . The ideal locations for modern observatories are sites that have dark skies,

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704-665: The field of radio astronomy to observe the Universe in the radio portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such an instrument, or collection of instruments, with supporting facilities such as control centres, visitor housing, data reduction centers, and/or maintenance facilities are called radio observatories . Radio observatories are similarly located far from major population centers to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI) from radio , TV , radar , and other EMI emitting devices, but unlike optical observatories, radio observatories can be placed in valleys for further EMI shielding. Some of

736-649: The first International Dark Sky Park. The Gabriela Mistral Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Elqui Valley of Chile was designated as the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2015. A dark-sky preserve, or dark-sky reserve, should be sufficiently dark to promote astronomy . The lighting protocol for a dark-sky preserve is based on the sensitivity of wildlife to artificial light at night. Canada has established an extensive and stringent standard for dark-sky preserves, that addresses lighting within dark-sky preserves and influences from skyglow from urban areas in

768-517: The following, are protected without any reference to an observatory or a park. In the Canadian program, lighting within the area must be strictly controlled to minimize the impact of artificial lighting on wildlife. These guidelines are more stringent than in other countries that lack the extensive wilderness areas that still exist in Canada. The management of a Canadian DSP extends their outreach programs from

800-754: The internationally recognized Headlands Dark Sky Park . As required by the designation, the park must utilize measures to reduce light pollution , such as dimming headlights and outdoor lighting. Sizable communities near Lake Hudson include the village of Clayton about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north, the city of Hudson eight miles (12.9 km) northwest, and the city of Morenci nine miles (14.5 km) south. Nearby state parks within 30 miles (48 km) include Hayes State Park , Cambridge Junction Historic State Park , and Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve , as well as Harrison Lake State Park south in Ohio. Dark-sky preserve A dark-sky preserve (DSP)

832-530: The main roads. In addition to camping, fishing, and hunting, other activities within the recreation area include picnicking, metal detecting , swimming, bird watching, hiking, photography, and geocaching . In 1993, Lake Hudson was designated as the first dark-sky preserve in the United States. It is currently one of seven such preserves in the state of Michigan, along with Negwegon State Park , Port Crescent State Park , Rockport State Recreation Area , Thompson's Harbor State Park , Wilderness State Park , and

864-553: The public that visit the site to include the promotion of better lighting policies in surrounding urban areas. Currently, dark-sky preserves have more control over internal and external lighting than other programs. With the increase in regional light pollution , some observatories have actively worked with cities in their region to establish protection zones where there is controlled light pollution. These areas may not yet have been declared dark-sky preserves. Although dark-sky preserve designations are generally sought by astronomers, it

896-477: The region. This was based on the work of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada . DarkSky International's Dark Sky Places program currently offers five types of designations: Dark Sky Developments of Distinction recognize subdivisions, master planned communities, and unincorporated neighborhoods and townships whose planning actively promotes a more natural night sky but does not qualify them for

928-414: The surface of Earth, are used to make observations in the radio and visible light portions of the electromagnetic spectrum . Most optical telescopes are housed within a dome or similar structure, to protect the delicate instruments from the elements. Telescope domes have a slit or other opening in the roof that can be opened during observing, and closed when the telescope is not in use. In most cases,

960-765: The world's major radio observatories include the Very Large Array in New Mexico , United States, Jodrell Bank in the UK , Arecibo in Puerto Rico , Parkes in New South Wales , Australia, and Chajnantor in Chile . A related discipline is Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI). Since the mid-20th century, a number of astronomical observatories have been constructed at very high altitudes , above 4,000–5,000 m (13,000–16,000 ft). The largest and most notable of these

992-476: Was able to be serviced by the Space Shuttles while many other space telescopes cannot be serviced at all. Airborne observatories have the advantage of height over ground installations, putting them above most of the Earth's atmosphere. They also have an advantage over space telescopes: The instruments can be deployed, repaired and updated much more quickly and inexpensively. The Kuiper Airborne Observatory and

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1024-627: Was founded in 1988 to reserve public or private land for an exquisite outlook of nocturnal territories and starry night skies. Dark-sky preserves are specifically conserved for their cultural, scientific, natural, or educational value and public enjoyment. In 2007, the Mont Mégantic Observatory in Quebec was the first site to be certified as an International Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky. The same year, Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah became

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