International Dark Sky Week is held during the week of the new moon in April when
people worldwide may turn off their lights to observe the beauty of the night
sky without light pollution.
The goals of the event are to:
1.
Temporarily reduce light pollution and raise awareness about its effects on the night sky,
2.
Encourage the use of better lighting systems that direct light downward instead
of into the sky, and
3.
Promote the study of astronomy.
This event always occurs in April, during the week of the new
moon so that the sky can be as dark as possible for optimum viewing conditions.
Jennifer Barlow states, "The night sky is a gift of such
tremendous beauty that should not be hidden under a blanket of wasted light. It
should be visible so that future generations do not lose touch with the wonder
of our universe." Barlow explains, "It is my wish that people see the
night sky in all of its glory, without excess light in the sky as our ancestors
saw it hundreds of years ago.
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