Just as a little anecdote - I was lucky enough to get to do not one but two observing runs at the IRTF at Mauna Kea as an undergrad, and let me tell you, you haven’t experienced dark until you step outside on the summit of Mauna Kea at midnight.

Like locked in a sealed closet dark. Not being able to see your hand in front of your face while outside is a trip, especially for a jersey boy like myself who isn’t used to any kind of true darkness lol. (Also being able to see Andromeda with the naked eye is mind blowing)