Data: International Dark-Sky Association, GoAstronomy; Note: Map only includes places with a known classification of 1 or 2 on the Bortle scale, indicating low levels of light pollution; Distance calculated as a direct path; Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios
Some stargazers have to travel more than 200 miles to see a sky devoid of light pollution.
Why it matters: Dark skies are vital for the function of local ecosystems and our understanding of the universe. As light pollution grows each year, truly dark skies might get harder to find.
