In just under 2 weeks is International Dark Sky Week and to celebrate, I wanted to bring attention to the Dark Sky Program (and also take a little trip). Dark Sky week is celebrated on the New Moon in April every year. This year, its from April 21 – April 28 and the New Moon itself is April 27.
International Dark Sky Week was founded in 2003 to celebrate the dark sky. Darkness is a natural resource and the ever-increasing artificial light really impacts people and other animals. Energy consumption and waste also has a stake in preserving our dark skies, so its important to preserve this resource.
Dark Sky Week is now headed by DarkSky International, which is a worldwide leader on light pollution and its effects. The first International Dark Sky city was declared in 2001. It was Flagstaff, AZ. Since then, over 200 sites worldwide in 20 countries and 6 continents have been certified as a Dark Sky Place. Many National Parks meet the criteria and are considered Dark Sky Places. I’m located in Colorado, and there are a little more than 2 dozen sites in the state alone.
To celebrate Dark Sky Week, I think I’m going to be going to be visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. They have night viewing available year round, and have been a Dark Sky Place since 2015. They regularly have ranger-led programs and special events surrounding the night sky, so I thought this would be a great time to make my first trip here. Of course, it’s a great place to go to simultaneously celebrate Dark Sky Week. The other possibility if I choose not to go to Black Canyon of the Gunnison is going to a different dark sky location, Westcliffe, CO, and having a sunset llama hike. Only time will tell!
I highly encourage anyone reading this to check out DarkSky International’s website and learn about ways you can prevent light pollution and also requirements to become a Dark Sky Place. You can also find a Dark Sky Place near you to celebrate International Dark Sky Week yourself. Now go outside and do some stargazing!
What will you do to celebrate? Tell me – should I hang out with llamas or head to a National Park?
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