Stargazers of all ages were on-hand to view nebulas, planets and more. Photo by T.C. Brown
Members of the SaddleBrooke Skygazers Astronomy Club and Dark Sky Southern Arizona came out to the San Manuel Community Center on April 23, 2025. Several telescopes were set up to allow community members of all ages to view objects in our galaxy. Another focus of the event was the importance of dark skies for sky viewing and the environment. The event was hosted by the San Manuel Revitalization Coalition.
Dark sky guidelines aim to minimize light pollution and preserve the natural beauty of the night sky. These guidelines emphasize using outdoor lighting responsibly to reduce glare, prevent light trespass, and minimize the impact on ecosystems and human health.
Key Principles of Dark Sky Guidelines:
- Appropriate Brightness: Use the lowest light levels necessary for the task at hand.
- Warm Color Temperature: Opt for warmer light tones (3000K or lower) that emit less blue light.
- Shielded and Downward-Directed Lighting: Direct light where it’s needed and avoid uplighting.
- Controlled Lighting: Use controls like timers, sensors, or dimmers to minimize unnecessary light.
- Responsible Use: Use lights only when and where needed.
Examples of Dark Sky Friendly Practices:
- Fully Shielded Fixtures: Ensure fixtures don’t emit light above the horizontal plane.
- Avoid Glare: Position lights to prevent glare from entering windows or eyes.
- Reduce Light Trespass: Minimize the amount of light spilling onto neighboring properties.
- Use Efficient Lights: Choose the most energy-efficient lamps suitable for the application.
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure lighting provides sufficient illumination for safety, especially in areas like walkways and driveways.
Organizations Promoting Dark Sky Guidelines:
- DarkSky International: A leading organization advocating for responsible outdoor lighting and the protection of dark skies.
- International Dark Sky Association: (IDA), now known as DarkSky International, has a program to certify lighting products and projects.
- Leave No Trace: Promotes responsible recreation in natural areas, including using dark sky-friendly lighting in campgrounds.
Benefits of Dark Sky Guidelines:
- Environmental Protection: Reduces the negative impact of light pollution on wildlife and ecosystems.
- Human Health Benefits: Reduces exposure to artificial light, which can affect sleep and other health factors.
- Energy Conservation: Minimizes the amount of light used, saving energy and reducing costs.
- Preservation of the Night Sky: Protects the natural beauty and scientific value of the night sky.
Six Quick Tips for Dark Sky Lighting
If you are considering Dark Sky lighting, here are a few ideas to keep in mind as you shop:
TIP 1. Consider using motion sensor outdoor lights that turn on when you need the light and turn off when you don’t.
TIP 2. Sometimes less is more. Reduce the wattage on your outdoor bulbs, say from 100 to 50 watts. Good outdoor lighting is not overly bright in relation to the surrounding area.
TIP 3. Fixtures for driveway areas, walkways, garden areas and street lighting should direct all of their light to the ground.
TIP 4. To protect the visibility of the night sky, avoid uplighting.
TIP 5. Be considerate of neighbors – avoid light trespass and blinding glare that spills over into neighboring yards.
TIP 6. Use the most efficient lamp suitable.
Efficient dark sky lighting not only protects the environment and conserves our energy resources, but it can save you money in the long run in energy costs.
DarkSky Southern Arizona is an official Chapter of DarkSky International, a leading non-profit working to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation.
“From iconic saguaro forests to mountain sky islands, southern Arizona is an ecological gem with incredible biodiversity. These unique ecosystems depend on dark skies. We work to protect the nighttime environment by advocating for new and expanded Dark Sky Places, Dark Sky Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries for stargazers and animals alike.”
“We also advocate for better outdoor lighting ordinances throughout the region and actively promote responsible astro-tourism in and around the area. We can show you where in southern Arizona to find beautiful dark and starry skies.”
More information can be found at https://darkskysoaz.org and https://darksky.org.
The Tri-Community is blessed with dark sky conditions that allowed those in attendance a chance to view star clusters, double stars, constellations, nebulas, planets, moons and so much more. Thanks to all those who showed up for this event.