Category: Astronomy | DarkSky International

Savannah Pobre at Lights Out Exhibition

Exploring “Lights Out”: The Smithsonian’s special exhibit on reclaiming the night

Astronomy

When you first enter the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, most people’s attention is drawn to the elephant …

January 17, 2025

Fireflies across a backdrop of star trails.

Reflecting on Under One Sky 2024: A global gathering to protect the night

Astronomy

Under One Sky 2024 was our largest and most impactful global conference to date!

November 21, 2024

Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night painting.

Van Gogh’s starry skies

Inspiration

Vincent van Gogh loved the night sky. “For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight …

November 12, 2024

Creating codes and statutes

Policy

Establishing quality requirements for outdoor lighting is an effective way to protect local character, enhance visual safety, and mitigate …

March 3, 2025

Person at night starring up at the Milky Way.

Darkness for Well-Being

About

If you’ve ever stood under the stars and taken a deep breath, you might have noticed the therapeutic effects …

August 23, 2024

It’s time for Africa: IAU General Assembly 2024 in Cape Town highlights the continent’s astronomical and dark sky importance

About

Held every three years in different locations, this conference marks a historic moment as it convenes in Africa for …

August 6, 2024

Banner image of with a head shot of Dave Crawford

Remembering Dave Crawford, founder of DarkSky International

About

The world recently lost a visionary in David L. Crawford, founder of DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association).

July 31, 2024

Woman doing yoga silhouetted by the sunset.

Zen and the Stars with Mark Westmoquette

About

Astronomer, Zen Buddhist, author, and mindfulness teacher Mark Westmoquette shares how connecting with the night aids in well-being. Tell …

July 8, 2024

View of the Milky Way from inside of a camping tent.

10 Tips for a Stellar DarkSky Camping Experience

About

Camping under a star-filled sky is a magical experience, especially for those of us in the DarkSky Community who …

July 3, 2024

Colorful star trails over a small lake.

Astrophotography 101: How to capture star trails

Astronomy

Photographers love to capture star trails because the concentric circles and arcs add movement and energy to their images, …

June 27, 2024

Lyrids 2022: A Lyrid meteor streaks across the night sky in front of the Milky Way

The Lyrids: A Shower of Lights for International Dark Sky Week 2023

Astronomy

Each year, the Lyrid Meteor Shower is active in mid-late April when the Earth crosses the orbital path of …

April 13, 2023

Illustration of a person looking contemplatively at a piece of paper

Our positions

Policy

DarkSky position statements address critical issues related to light pollution and dark skies. These position statements help inform all …

August 21, 2023