International Dark Sky Week, April 22–30, 2022
~ NEWS BRIEF ~
Where are the Darkest Skies in Colorado?
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mesa Verde National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Dinosaur National Monument and Jackson Lake State Park in Colorado have been certified as dark sky places.
Colorado currently holds 14 international dark sky places, with some designated as a dark sky community or a dark sky park. Each has gone through a rigorous approval process to receive these designations.
WHAT IS LIGHT POLLUTION?
Any artificial light that is not needed is a pollutant that has serious and harmful consequences.
Light pollution can:
disrupt wildlife
impact human health
waste money and energy
contribute to climate change
block our view of the universe
Light pollution is increasing at 2x rate of population growth and 83% of the global population lives under a light-polluted sky.
Go to International Dark Sky Week web page for info and tips – click HERE
This website provides an overview of light pollution and provides some ways that people can take action in their own communities. It also acts as a home base for the events (both virtual and in-person) being hosted all over the world by Advocates, International Dark Sky Places, other organizations, and individuals. Take a night walk, learn about astrophotography, why wildlife needs the dark, or attend a star party.
Go to Dark Sky Week web page to see a list of BLOGS you can connect with – click HERE
Light pollution is an urgent environmental threat. It is increasing at a global average of 2.2% per year, threatening wildlife and ecosystems, impacting human health, wasting money and energy, and blocking out our view of the universe. However, unlike other kinds of pollution, we don’t have to wait for generations to see a change. Once solutions are implemented, the results are immediate.
“International Dark Sky Week provides a wonderful opportunity for people to discover value and beauty in the dark,” notes IDA’s Communications Manager, Lauren Scorzafava. “It’s a great time to connect with the night and learn about what is at stake if light pollution continues to increase.”
