Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment
Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. Area indicated by green border in bottom left of map taken by the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA and the Cook County Forest Preserve District

Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place

Posted on August 25, 2021August 25, 2021 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place

Forest Preserves of Cook County and Adler Planetarium earn the Urban Night Sky Place designation, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association, for a 6,662-acre site in Southwest Cook County

August 25, 2021—The Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Palos Preserves has been designated the largest Urban Night Sky Place in the world by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

About four times more stars are visible in the night sky over the site than in the City of Chicago as measured by Adler Planetarium, which partnered with the Forest Preserves to submit the site’s application.

The Palos Preserves, historically known as Mt. Forest Island, is part of the largest area of protected natural land in Cook County. The Urban Night Sky Place houses only four buildings in its 6,662 acres, and satellite radiance data show that the region emits nearly 1000 times less light than downtown Chicago.

Forest Preserves sites are closed at sunset, so visitors who want to enjoy the night at this Urban Night Sky Place should keep an eye out for the Preserves’ guided nighttime programming in Palos Preserves.

“People know the Palos Preserves for its extensive trail system and the natural wonder of the hills, bluffs, woodlands and wetlands. I’m pleased that with this Urban Night Sky designation, the site is also recognized as a location that preserves the night. The many species of plants, insects, birds and other animals that call the Palos Preserves home benefit from the absence of disturbing artificial lighting,” said Arnold Randall, the general superintendent of the Forest Preserves.

Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. Area indicated by green border in bottom left of map taken by the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA and the Cook County Forest Preserve District
Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. Area indicated by green border in bottom left of map taken by the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA and the Cook County Forest Preserve District

To measure and document the light levels in Palos Preserves, the Adler Planetarium worked with teens in its Far Horizons Stratonauts program to use specially designed cameras, built by students and volunteers at the Adler, across Chicago and in the Preserves last summer to quantify the nighttime sky in the region.

The students also used satellite data and images from astronauts on board the International Space Station for the application. The Adler also provided guidance in a light management plan that was initiated by the Forest Preserves as part of the Dark Skies application, which reduced light levels at the Preserves’ buildings and parking lots with a combination of timers, shielded fixtures and night sky friendly LED lighting.

“For the entire history of life on Earth, dark nights followed sunlit days. In a little more than a century we’ve altered that natural pattern by illuminating our nights. Living in and around Chicago we’ve grown accustomed to always having bright lights in view. The chance of experiencing a natural, dark night—as it was for eons—is now too rare. It’s difficult to express the peaceful, natural beauty one can experience within the Palos Preserves’ pristine nights. This designation is a recognition of the value it offers to everyone in the region,” said Ken Walczak, Senior Manager for Far Horizons at the Adler Planetarium.

Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. Over Maple Lake. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Forest Preserve District
Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place. Over Maple Lake. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Forest Preserve District

The IDA’s International Dark Sky Places program was founded in 2001 to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education. There are more than 170 Dark Sky Places across the world, including three in the Urban Night Sky Place category.

IDA designates the places following a rigorous application process requiring applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark-sky protection, a commitment to stewardship of the nighttime environment and designation-specific program requirements.

“The Forest Preserves’ commitment to understanding the principles of responsible outdoor lighting, engaging in community outreach, and providing access to this natural resource for the residents of the Chicago area all serve as commendable examples of what UNSPs can offer,” stated Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of IDA.

The Forest Preserves and Adler Planetarium will continue to partner in the Palos Preserves around the Urban Night Sky Place, particularly for fun and educational programs and events like stargazing nights, night hikes, owling and light pollution awareness programs.

About the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.

Connect with us!

fpdcc.com | facebook.com/FPDCC | twitter.com/FPDCC | instagram.com/FPDCC

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the Universe and each other. Whether it is introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century. The museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, people-powered research, and other outreach efforts. Today, the Adler is bringing our unique approach—scientific exploration rooted in community and connection—to guests from around the world who can enjoy the digital Adler from their own homes, libraries, schools or offices. With the Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

About the International Dark-Sky Association

The IDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, which advocates for the protection of the nighttime environment and dark night skies. It does so by educating policymakers and the public about night sky conservation and through the promotion of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. The IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation program in 2001 to recognize excellent stewardship of the night sky. IDA designates International Dark Sky Places following a rigorous application process requiring applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark sky protection and document designation-specific program requirements.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations - October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” - October 8, 2025
  • The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs - October 8, 2025
NPV: 32
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Cook County, Entertainment, Environment, Features, Government, News, Photos, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology Tags:Adler Planetarium, astronomy, best place to see stars, Cook County, Dark Sky, Forest Preserve district, Maple Lake, Palos Preserves, World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place

Post navigation

Previous Post: Secretary of State Candidate Moore addresses Illinois State Fair
Next Post: Orland Township’s Senior American Idol Returning This Fall

Related Posts

  • Now What? Children's book from Notable Kids Publishing
    Colorful ‘Lizzy’ Romp Teaches Kids to Live in the Now Books & Films
  • Congressman Sean Casten
    Casten Votes to Pass Protecting Our Kids Act Through the House  Chicago
  • American Flag. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Quincy Veterans home reports increase in COVID-19 cases coronavirus
  • Congresswoman Marie Newman, 3rd District Illinois
    Newman receives endorsements from progressive women’s organizations elections
  • Lyons to demolish old firehouse News
  • Seniors enjoy Halloween entertainment hosted by Orland Township and Supervisor Paul O'Grady.
    A Spooktacular Celebration for Orland Township Seniors Baby Boomers

More Related Articles

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle hosts 8th Annual Juneteenth celebration at Sand Ridge Nature Center  President Preckwinkle kicks-off 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Sand Ridge Nature Center  News
Goalie Garret Sparks of the Chicago Wolves. Courtesy of the Chicago Wolves. Chicago Wolves beat Tucson Roadrunners 3 to 0 Entertainment
Maria Pappas interview with Ray Hanania on property tax increass Pappas study shows Cook County Property taxes doubled in past two decades Chicago
CoronaVirus courtesy of Wikipedia Coronavirus remains a threat in Illinois, infections and deaths continue Chicago
CDC Image of girl sneezing. Coronavirus Health groups questions longterm impact of COVID-19 vaccinations coronavirus
Railroad “flyover” discussed News

Comment (1) on “Palos Preserves Named the World’s Largest Urban Night Sky Place”

  1. Pingback: The Driver's Side" – News From The Motorist's Perspective | theexpiredmeter.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair 
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme