Capital Reef National Park

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October 8, 2017

Capitol Reef National Park was designated a Gold Tier “International Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark-Sky Association. It is an elongated region, stretching across 60 miles (97 km) from north to south and only about 6 miles (10 km) wide, covering the majority of the long up-thrust formation called the Waterpocket Fold. The name of the park comes from the dome-like formations of bright Navajo Sandstone cliffs, which look similar to domes on capitol buildings.

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October 8, 2017

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.