Beaver Island, Michigan is named 'International Dark Sky Sanctuary' — one of only 22 in the world

(WWJ) Northern Michigan's Beaver Island has been named an official "Dark Sky Sanctuary" by Dark Sky International — and it's kind of a big deal.

The island, north of Charlevoix, is now considered one of 22 sanctuaries in the entire world where people can stargaze in complete darkness.

The award was presented by Dark Sky International, an organization which works to avoid and diminish light pollutants across the nation.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Beth Fisher spoke with Cynthia Hector-Johnson, of the Beaver Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

"There are over 240 (official Dark Sky Places) in the United States. They show up on a light pollution map as being the darkest; they contain the least light pollution," she said. "And, in the case of our sanctuaries...there are absolutely no lights at all."

Hector-Johnson noted that the island, which is part of a wildlife research area owned by the state, is a bit difficult to access. So it's not likely to become a popular tourist destination anytime soon.

"You've gotta catch a plane or ride a two-hour ferry ride to get here," Hector-Johnson said. "that also means we can only get so many people here in any given day, due to those transportation restrictions."

Hector-Johnson said, however, there are other several areas in Michigan that are ideal for a starry night show to remember.

The three official Dark Sky Parks in the state are Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and T.K. Lawless County Park , in the southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula.