The National Park Service (NPS) is a U.S. government agency primarily known for managing national parks, but it also plays a role in preserving dark night skies and promoting astrotourism. The NPS has a Night Skies Program dedicated to reducing light pollution within and around parks, and many NPS units have been designated as International Dark Sky Parks. This involves using minimal-impact lighting techniques, educating visitors about the importance of natural darkness, and collaborating with organizations like NASA on research and outreach related to space and astronomy. They partner with NASA to share the excitement of space exploration.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The purpose of the National Park Foundation is to encourage private gifts or income to support the National Park Service.