International Dark Sky Week
Recognizing that the prolific use of lighting has brought some severe problems to the modern world, International Dark Sky Week seeks to bring health and healing back to the world!
How to Celebrate International Dark Sky Week
Experience the Dark Night Sky
One of the most ideal things to do during International Dark Sky Week is to head on outside and get a view of the stars!
Of course, this type of activity can be dependent on many factors, including cloud cover as well as light pollution. Those in the city may need to head out to a remote camping spot overnight to get the full impact of enjoying the twinkling of the stars.
Take the Dark Sky Pledge
Those who want to make it official can head over to the International Dark Sky Week web page where there’s an opportunity to join thousands of others in committing to protect the night sky by following responsible lighting principles.
Learn Key Facts About Light Pollution
An important goal of International Dark Sky Week is to help people get more informed about the issues that go along with having too much light in the world.
A great way to do this is to learn a few facts about it and then start a conversation.
Check out a few of these pertinent issues to get started:
- Sea turtles are devastatingly impacted by light pollution, disorienting the females and their newly hatched babies, often causing fatal accidents
- Light pollution makes it almost impossible to observe the stars from cities, deepening the feelings of removal from healing nature
- Bird migration patterns are impacted by light pollution, many of them dying as they collide with buildings in confusion
- The circadian rhythms of humans and many other animals are negatively impacted by the use of artificial light, resulting sleep disturbances and a myriad of health problems
Share Some Info About Dark Sky Week
Those who want to invite others onto the journey back toward a darker sky can do so by reaching out to their sphere of influence.
This might happen through contacts on social media, conversations with coworkers or a home association meeting with neighbors. Encourage others to also take the Dark Sky Pledge.
Take the initiative to reduce the damage of light pollution during International Dark Sky Week!
History of International Dark Sky Week
International Dark Sky Week was founded in 2003 by a high school student from Virginia. The purpose behind the event was to increase public awareness about the problems associated with light pollution while encouraging more people to be part of the solution.
Another hope for the day is that more people would become interested in the topic of astronomy and begin studying it!
Today, International Dark Sky Week is managed by DarkSky International, an association founded in the 1980s by astronomers with the hopes of restoring the nighttime environment and protecting communities from the damage that comes from excessive use of light.
International Dark Sky Week is scheduled to take place during Global Astronomy Month, particularly during the new moon.
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