HOW HEALTHY ARE YOUR NIGHT SKIES ?

Experiencing natural darkness means different things to different people . For some , the night and natural darkness inspires fearfulness and dread . For others , it brings a sense of calm , connection with nature or a feeling of expansive freedom . Or a better night ’ s sleep . Natural darkness offers the joy and wonder of seeing the countless stars in the Milky Way emerge from the sky as day blends into night . And without quality nighttime skies , experiencing that once-in-alifetime astronomical event , such as a comet or meteor shower , would be impossible . Night sky quality is both a personal and a community-level experience . It is the direct result of our own awareness and practices . So , how important are quality night skies to you ?

To advance night sky quality awareness and reduce light pollution globally , the International Dark Sky association has created several different designations that celebrate and protect natural night sky quality . These range from International Dark Sky Parks , typically located in wilderness and back country areas such as the Big Bend National Park and neighboring Big Bend Ranch State Park , to Urban Night Sky Places where planning design and practices not only protect but recover night sky quality . Even highly populated urban areas such as Flagstaff , Arizona , have dramatically reduced their artificial light pollution , regaining night sky quality , and improving nighttime conditions beyond city limits .

In the Big Bend , different groups are approaching night sky quality from a variety of angles . The Big Bend Conservation Alliance names dark sky conservation in the scope of their mission . The McDonald Observatory , long known for its activities to protect night skies for astronomical viewing , has a growing list of demonstrations where night sky quality has been improved through the adoption of night sky friendly technology and practices . There is a new group forming to specifically focus on night sky conservation as the sole scope of their mission : West Texas Friends of the Night Sky . Each of these entities encourages individuals , neighborhoods and communities to protect and improve their night sky quality through awareness , education , and night sky friendly technology and practices .

These are encouraging developments , but as of this writing International Dark Sky Reserves are so rare that only 16 exist worldwide , and only one is located the U . S ., in Central Idaho . If successful , the proposed Big

Bend International Dark Sky Reserve will become Earth ’ s newest such place , enhancing quality of life , safety , and health benefits for all .

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