As long as people have existed, we have been gazing up at the stars.
Stars are woven throughout our mythology, our navigation systems and our imaginations. They're a connective tissue linking us to our furthest ancestors. Staring into the night sky can remind us of how small we are and put our lives in context. It produces measurable changes in our brains, and can make us feel more connected to the world and each other.
As our state's population grows, it becomes increasingly rare to find truly dark skies. One of the best places to do so is at a state park. Four of Texas' state parks (Big Bend Ranch, Copper Breaks, Enchanted Rock and South Llano River) are designated Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association. Many of the others also offer amazing opportunities to see beautiful starry vistas.
We hope you enjoy this photo essay of stunning state park skies at night. Our photographers have spent many a night sitting in riverbeds, scrambling up sandhills and camped out in the desert to capture the majesty of the Milky Way. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
We also hope that this visual exhibit inspires you to plan your own stargazing journey soon, whether that's camping in a state park, taking a trip to the McDonald Observatory for one of their star parties or relaxing in your own backyard. It's beautiful to think that throughout our state, so many of us are gazing up at that same expansive, awe-inspiring Texas sky.
