The importance of dark skies is surely something I don’t need to defend around here. Anyone interested in the night sky is likely all too aware of the decreased visibility and diminished views of stars that accompany light pollution — the flooding of artificial illumination into the heavens. But, while we might all be familiar with the value of a pristine sky, how many of us are involved in efforts to preserve it?
International Dark Sky Week (April 14–20) works to limit and alleviate light pollution, a growing threat to the dark skies over the United States and the rest of the world. // Photo by C. Mayhew & R. Simmon (NASA/GSFC)/NOAA/NGDC/DMSP Digital Archive
We’re currently in the midst of
International Dark Sky Week (IDSW), which runs from April 14 through April 20. It’s a great time for words and actions on behalf of the natural wonder of a dark sky. Groups and individuals are taking advantage of this week to hold awareness events, encouraging everyone to realize what they’re missing.
Besides destroying the view for stargazers, light pollution disrupts animals’ natural rhythms, creates unsafe environments for pedestrians, and wastes enormous amounts of energy and money. Sometimes the solution is nothing more than changing a light bulb or installing a shield over bare bulbs, but so many people are unaware of the problems — let alone the solutions — that it’s important to get the word out however we can.
Just last month, we saw a victory for dark skies in Arizona when Governor Jan Brewer vetoed a bill that would have made light pollution in that state much worse. It’s great that the amateur astronomy community could help bring about this success, but we can’t be satisfied simply reacting to such threats; we should also be proactive in raising awareness, and IDSW provides a great reason.
Let me know in the comments below if you’re hosting, or planning to be a part of, any IDSW events. And if you’re not, considering doing so! If you’re a fan of dark skies — and, really, who isn’t? — you’ll want to make sure you’re doing all you can to promote and preserve them.