Communicating Darkness: Visitor Preferences for Dark Sky Interpretation

Data for article 'Communicating Darkness: Visitor Preferences for Dark Sky Interpretation' published in Journal of Interpretation Research. <br><br>Abstract:<br>Utah parks are attracting an increasing number of visitors
due to the quality dark sky viewing opportunities. Despite increasing
engagement in nighttime recreation, limited research exists on visitor interest
in interpretation for dark skies in state and national parks. Nighttime visitors
at nine Utah state and national park units certified as dark sky parks were
surveyed to evaluate their preferences for dark sky-related interpretive topics
and communication methods. Visitors expressed the strongest interest in
astronomy and improving dark sky viewing, with ranger-led programs emerging as
the most favored delivery method. National park visitors showed greater
interest than state park visitors in self-guided learning formats such as
interpretive displays and mobile apps for topics such as dark sky
viewing/astronomy and viewing wildlife at night. These findings highlight the benefits
of diverse, yet targeted communication strategies to improve visitor
experiences of dark skies and foster stewardship of natural darkness in parks. <br>