International
Dark Sky Week 2022
Discover the Night
April 22–30
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.
Get Updates
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!
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 brand partners for year-round support
Leading Partners
Guiding Partners
Sustaining & Ally partners
Outreach partners
Events
All around the world
Your Dark Sky Photos
Tag your Instagram posts with either #IDSW2022, #DarkSkyWeek, or #DiscoverTheNight.
Temple of stars
April 2022.
During the international dark sky week, I spent all night at Capitol Reef National Park taking over 500 pictures in order to capture the star trails. By focusing on the Polaris (North star) that’s very close to the celestial pole, you can observe the earth’s rotation through the star trails. Stacked over 300 short exposures using the free starstax software to create the final image.
#capitolreefnationalpark #utah
#utahnightsky #idadarksky #bestdarkphoto #night #nightsky #bhphoto #sonya7iii #sonyalpha #astrophotography #instagood #roamtheplanet #yourshotphotographer #eclectic_shotz #nights_dreamworld #astro #utahphotographer #idsw2022 #bestdarkphoto #utahunique #utahisrad #nightscapes
🔥For a long time, natural light from the sun, moon, stars and fire was the only source of light at night. Prehistoric man learnt to make fire and use it for his own ends. Torches, candles and lamps with liquid fuels like oil lamps were used until the 19th century. The smell was unpleasant, and the naked flame dangerous.
💡 The invention of electric light liberated people from darkness. But since then it has become brighter and brighter on Earth, and the starry sky is now no longer visible in many places. The increasing use of outdoor lighting for streets and buildings and the apparently unlimited availability of light not only affect the day-night rhythm of human beings; they also have an impact on the habitats of many animal and plant species.
🌠The nighttime environment is a precious natural resource for all life on Earth, which we must protect.
🇪🇺 The Erasmus+ STARLIGHT project is raising awareness on the subject of light pollution and is promoting dark skies as a competitive asset for sustainable and experiential tourism, as well as aiming at increasing job opportunities for young Europeans in that sector.
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Photo: #NASA
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#lookuptogether #protectthenight #discoverthenight #nightsky #starlight #stars #starrynight #stargazing #astronomy #astronomylover #astronomy #nationalparks #internationaldarkskyassociation #internationaldarkskypark #idadarksky #darksky #naturalnights #astrotourism #startourism #naturetourism #nightskyphotography #skyphotography #darkskyshots #lightpollution #erasmusplus #europeanproject #sustainableliving #protectnature #environmentallyfriendly
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.
