low power generators , even though , in the Morumbeca area , there isn ’ t light or electricity generated of any type . Access to the observation site can be done by car . In the months between May and September , the sky is completely clear of interference from clouds – dry season . The area designed as a support base for the Dark Sky Park has two structures : the chalet and the Morumbeca lodge . The first one is used mainly by the rangers ’ team ( Morumbeca chalet ). The structure has accommodation for five people , kitchen ( wood stove ) and bathroom ( with hot water ). The Morumbeca lodge is privately owned . The structure has an overnight space for ten people , kitchen with wood stove and bathroom with hot water . Desengano State Park ’ s visitor center is open daily between 8 am and 5 pm , while the protected area of the park ( forest area ) any visitor has 24-hour access every day . Sky quality measurements began in June 2019 , initially in the areas with easier access , that is , at the Park ’ s head office ( in the Horto Florestal Santos Lima ) and in the Morumbeca dos Marreiros ’ region . Later , in 2020 ,
COURTESY OF Samir Mansur
The stars make a stunning backdrop at Desengano State Park — the only area with no artificial lighting interference in the entire northwesthern region of the State of Rio de Janeiro .
measurements were taken at the top of Pedra do Desengano ( summit of PED ) and in the Poço Parado region , in the municipality of São Fidélis . The light meter used was a Unihedron SQM-L , provided by the Louis Curls Astronomy Club . The brightest reading recorded in the park was 21.96 at Morumbeca ’ s lodge . These statistics were obtained from the set of measurements
made at the different locations identified in the park . For each set of measurement data , three consecutive measurements were made at each location and recorded before going to the next location for measurements . Analyzing the information provided by the light pollution map website ( https :// lightpollutionmap . info ), it is possible to verify that the Desengano State Park is the only area with no
The park ’ s visitor center hosts many activities to educate visitors on the Dark Sky Park , light pollution and more .
COURTESY OF Samir Mansur
20