Gemini South Part of the First Dark Sky Sanctuary

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has designated the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Observatory site in Chile, which includes Gemini South, as the first ever Dark Sky Sanctuary. This new IDA designation recognizes the need to protect the dark sites of the world. AURA and Chilean governmental groups collaborated to earn this recognition and will continue to work together to preserve the site’s character.