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International Dark Sky Week

April 21 April 28

Every year, in April, there is a worldwide celebration, International Dark Sky Week. Pinal County is always happy to promote a 30-minute event to encourage residents to reduce light pollution, step outside, and look up to enjoy the beauty of the night sky in Pinal County!

Learn more about the importance of reducing light pollution and take a moment to enjoy the night sky by participating in Dark Sky Lights Out and any of these additional dark sky events!

How Dark Is A Dark Sky Community?

Dark Sky communities practice responsible outdoor lighting by shielding their light sources and using warm-color, lower-lumen/watt light bulbs where light is needed.  Dark skies does not mean no lights on the ground.

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally.

Components of light pollution include:

  • Glare — excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort.
  • Sky glow — brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
  • Light trespass — light falling where it is not intended or needed.

What can be done about light pollution? 

There are many ways to tackle the over-lighting of the night, such as:

  • Changing light fixtures outside your home or business
  • Using timers and motion sensors
  • Updating city streetlights
  • Passing ordinances to enforce better outdoor lighting policies
  • Talking to your neighbors about light trespass
  • Protecting dark sky places

Source: https://www.pinal.gov/1546/Dark-Skies