International
Dark Sky Week 2023
Discover the Night
April 15–22
It may seem harmless, but light pollution has far-reaching consequences that are harmful to all living things. Effective outdoor lighting reduces light pollution, leading to a better quality of life for all. The dark sky movement is working to bring better lighting to communities around the world so that all life can thrive.
Join us this International Dark Sky Week to learn more about the movement, and discover the night where you live.
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Presented by International Dark-Sky Association
What is Light Pollution?
Any artificial light that is not needed is a pollutant that has serious and harmful consequences.
Light pollution can:
- disrupt wildlife
- impact human health
- waste money and energy
- contribute to climate change
- block our view of the universe
Light pollution is increasing at 2x rate of population growth and 83% of the global population lives under a light-polluted sky.
Take Action
Be a community scientist
Globe at Night’s community scientists measure and submit their night sky brightness observations. It’s easy to get involved — all you need is computer or smartphone.
Inventory your home lighting
Is your home night sky friendly? A few simple changes can lead to home lighting that is both beautiful and functional, without contributing excessive light pollution.
Host a night walk
Dark City Walks are guided walking tours that demonstrate how the lighting we add to our cities impacts the way we use them and the environment at large.
Become a Dark Sky Advocate
IDA Advocates around the world educate the public about light pollution, enact legislation, serve as local resources for other volunteers, and more. Join us!
Partner with other orgs
Connect with a partner organization and tell them about the importance of reducing light pollution — or better yet, host an event with them to help introduce new audiences to the value of dark skies.
Partner ideas [PDF]
Event ideas [PDF]
Join in the scavenger hunt
Discover the night by taking part in the International Dark Sky Week scavenger hunt! Find as many items on the list as you can during the week. Find them all, and IDA will send you an assortment of stickers!
Get an official proclamation
Get Dark Sky Week officially proclaimed or recognized by a local government agency. This can get picked up by local media and really helps get the word out. In 2022, we had 23 successful proclamations in the United States. Our goal is to have at least 100 IDSW proclamations worldwide in 2023.
Learn how [Google Doc]
Write a letter to the editor
Letters to the editor (LTE) can be a compelling way to raise awareness about an issue. They are some of the most read pieces in newspapers or magazines. Writing an LTE about dark skies can inform the public about light pollution issues they are likely not aware of.
Learn how [Box]
About Us
IDA protects the night from light pollution
Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it has come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money, and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view of the universe.Â
The International Dark-Sky Association promotes win-win solutions that allow people to appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting.
Our Vision
The night sky, filled with stars, is celebrated and protected around the world as a shared heritage benefiting all living things.
Thank you to our corporate partners for year-round support
Leading Partners
Sustaining Partners
Ally partners
Associate Partners
Presenting Partners
The National Park Services preserves, to the greatest extent possible, the natural lightscapes of parks by supporting system wide restoration of night sky resources and values, advancing scientific understanding, and inspiring public appreciation of night skies.
Outreach partners
Events
All around the world
Your Dark Sky Photos
Tag your Instagram posts with either #IDSW2023, #DarkSkyWeek, or #DiscoverTheNight.
#InternationalDarkSkyWeek 2023 (April 15-22) is just over a month away! 🌌
There are several exciting events planned during #DarkSkyWeek to celebrate the beautiful stars. These events not only provide an opportunity to marvel at the night sky but also aim to provide education on reducing light pollution.
How to help keep the night skies pristine:
🌟 Ensure that your outdoor lighting serves a specific purpose and is placed only where and when required.
🌟 Direct your outdoor lights downwards by using shields, which reduce harmful glare and minimize skyglow.
🌟 Limit your light levels to only the required brightness.
🌟 Employ controls such as timers, dimmers, and motion sensors to regulate your lighting.
🌟 Choose warm-color lights wherever possible to minimize the use of harmful blue-wavelength lighting.
Support Dark Skies!
Can you pitch in a few dollars a month to protect the night? Support the International Dark-Sky Association by becoming an IDA monthly member today. When you join our monthly giving club, you will receive a special Nighthawk magnet.
Buy Dark Sky Merchandise
Printed in small batches. Lots of designs, styles, and sizes are available. Proceeds support the International Dark-Sky Association.
