International Dark Sky Week

What do you see when you look up at the night sky on a clear and cloudless night? Whether you are accustomed to seeing the luminous edges of the Milky Way or can just barely make out your favorite constellation, the sight of our night sky is not the same for all eyes around the world. While seemingly harmless in our day to day lives, the reality of light pollution comes in the form of far-reaching consequences that are harmful to all living things on Earth.

What is International Dark Sky Week?

International Dark Sky Week (IDSW) is a celebration that occurs once a year with the goal to raise awareness around the harms and realities of light pollution and promote the preservation of dark skies whenever and wherever possible. This year, in 2024, IDSW takes place from Saturday, April 6th to Saturday, April 13nd. During the week, night sky lovers from around the world are encouraged to participate in activities that celebrate the beauty of the night sky and advocate alongside astronomers, environmentalists, and policy makers for the protection of our natural nighttime environment.

Why is it important? 

With technological advances in recent years, the issue of light pollution has increased alongside our world becoming more urbanized and industrialized. Artificial light is increasingly found flooding parking lots and streets at night, in turn obscuring the view of the stars, disrupting natural ecosystems, and affecting human health. Since our view of the night sky is now dependent on our location and the light pollution attributed to the area where our home resides, IDSW provides an opportunity for people worldwide to learn about the impacts of light pollution and take action to reduce it.