A journey of discovery and inspiration: Global highlights from International Dark Sky Week 2025

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible successes of this year’s International Dark Sky Week—an event that truly lived up to its name and spirit. From every corner of the world, countless people and communities came together in a powerful, global tribute to the night, showcasing its beauty, importance, and the urgent need to protect it. 

DarkSky Advocates, astronomers, birders, astrophotographers, hikers, lighting designers, pickleball players—you name it—joined the celebration and conversation, united by a shared passion for dark skies and a prestine nighttime environment. Once again we’ve amplified awareness of light pollution as a defining, growing global issue that must be met head-on through worldwide action. 

Join us for a quick journey around the globe as we highlight just a few of the incredible events and actions that took place during this unforgettable week. While we can’t feature every story in one post, we invite you to follow along on our social media channels, where we’ll continue to share inspiring moments, community spotlights, and messages of gratitude as we wrap up our favorite week of the year!

Australia

As the first day of International Dark Sky Week began, some of the earliest places on Earth to fall into the shadow of night were already off to an exceptional start!

Down in Australia, our Advocates made history—achieving the highest number of proclamations from any country outside the United States. 

What are DarkSky proclamations? These are official statements issued by local or regional leaders that recognize International Dark Sky Week and affirm the importance of preserving natural darkness. They serve as a powerful starting point—educating decision-makers about the harms of light pollution and the simple, proven solution we champion: quality outdoor lighting.

We want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Carol Redford, who played a leading role in coordinating and inspiring many of these proclamation efforts. Thanks to her dedication, the DarkSky movement is gaining strong momentum across Australia—a country defined by some of the darkest skies on Earth, but also among the most at risk of losing them.

These proclamations mark an important first step in a broader journey of night sky protection—one that supports Australia’s unique wildlife ecosystems, healthy communities, deep-rooted Aboriginal knowledge, and so much more.

Shanghai, China

This year, we returned to Shanghai, where the local DarkSky chapter hosted a dazzling “Discover the Night” celebration atop the Sky Dome of the Artyzen Hotel Sheshan. Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, lighting designers, and environmental advocates came together to explore the growing importance of dark sky preservation—and imagine a future where sustainable outdoor lighting is the global standard.

The evening featured inspiring talks on nocturnal wildlife, the human health impacts of artificial light, and innovations in lighting design and engineering. As night fell, participants were reminded of the wonder that even urban stargazing can offer. With momentum building, DarkSky Shanghai is leading the charge for public education, scientific advocacy, and the expansion of International Dark Sky Places across China.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Let’s travel to another bright spot on the map—one of the brightest, in fact. It might seem unexpected to celebrate dark skies in a place known for its dazzling lights, but that’s exactly where DarkSky CEO Ruskin Hartley spent International Dark Sky Week: in Dubai. There, he joined an inspiring group of local advocates, scientists, and lighting professionals working to change the story of light pollution in a region defined by light at night.

Ruskin was invited to speak at and participate in the very first International Dark Sky Week event organized in the UAE. The gathering marked a powerful milestone, as Advocates in Dubai begin laying the groundwork for future policies that will not only preserve the night—but actively reclaim it.

For generations, stars once gleamed above these desert landscapes. Now, a new generation is rising to bring them back.

As Ruskin reflected, “There’s a saying that in the darkest places, you can find light. But here in Dubai, I’ve found that even in the brightest places, you can find dark sky defenders.”

India

Ready for a dose of creativity and cuteness? Let’s head to India, where stellar DarkSky Advocate Shweta Kulkarni—founder of the organization Astronera—found a unique and delightful way to celebrate International Dark Sky Week. Rather than hosting a traditional event, Shweta created an engaging and educational comic featuring a firefly as the central character, shining a light (pun intended) on the growing impact of light pollution on critical habitats.

With a perfect blend of humor and heart, the comic invites readers of all ages to think differently about the night—and about the species, like fireflies, that depend on natural darkness to survive and thrive. We applaud this imaginative effort and are thrilled to share it with you as we continue to explore creative, accessible ways to engage new audiences and empower the next generation of dark sky defenders.

United States

The United States has always been a cornerstone of International Dark Sky Week—where the movement first began and where celebrations continue to thrive each year. With dozens of International Dark Sky Parks and Communities, dedicated DarkSky Advocates, passionate park rangers, astronomy clubs, and sky-loving citizens, this year was no exception. From Nantucket Island to San Diego, people gathered to celebrate the night with star parties, educational events, and community outreach—all united by a shared commitment to protecting our view of the cosmos.

In Arizona—home to DarkSky International’s global headquarters—the spirit of the week burned especially bright. Communities across the state, from Tucson to rural towns, issued proclamations, hosted events, and invited neighbors to rediscover the beauty of a star-filled sky. Arizona has long led the charge in dark sky protection, and this year that leadership was on full display, powered by local governments, residents, businesses, and public land managers working hand in hand.

That same spirit of collaboration crossed international borders as communities in the U.S. and Canada came together for a historic joint proclamation signing. Inspired by the protections surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, and Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, this cross-border alliance underscored a vital truth: light pollution knows no boundaries, and neither does our resolve to fight it. Together, we’re building a global community committed to keeping the stars within reach for generations to come.

Chile

Let’s end our journey in Chile, where the conversation around dark sky protection has reached a critical moment. Some of the world’s most renowned astronomical observatories—essential to scientific discovery—are now under threat from a proposed energy project that would bring significant light pollution to one of the darkest and most scientifically valuable regions on Earth. During International Dark Sky Week, this issue was brought to the forefront, as communities, organizations, and advocates in Chile mobilized to oppose the INNA project in its current location.

In a powerful show of international concern, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) hosted a webinar focused on protecting the night sky. Policy experts, scientists, and environmental advocates came together to discuss the urgent need for action. Among them was Oscar Contreras-Villarroel, Vice President and Chilean Representative of the Giant Magellan Telescope, who spoke directly about the growing threat posed by the INNA development and the long-term consequences for astronomy.

We invite you to learn more and take action by watching the full IAU webinar and reading DarkSky’s official position on the issue. Together, we can ensure that Chile’s unparalleled night skies—and the discoveries they make possible—are preserved for generations to come.

DarkSky Statement: Read full article
IAU Webinar: Watch on YouTube

This year’s International Dark Sky Week was truly a global celebration—filled with exciting firsts and clear signs of a growing, united movement. For the first time ever, events were held in Mongolia, Dubai, and Finland, and communities from Iraq to the Little Cayman Islands and Uruguay joined in to raise awareness and take action. Government and institutional leaders in 17 countries engaged directly with dark sky advocacy efforts, and over 100 official proclamations were issued around the world—with an impressive 80% acceptance rate. This growing support shows that light pollution is no longer a niche concern; people everywhere recognize what’s at stake and are ready to protect the night.

Our impact wasn’t limited to in-person events. Through widespread online collaborations, including the creation of an epic inspirational video by More than Just Parks the movement reached new audiences and partners. We teamed up with organizations like the Audubon Society, and the Bureau of Land Management, and aligned with National Park Week to highlight the value of natural darkness in public lands. 

Light pollution was also featured on high-visibility platforms like Space.com and Star Walk, and hundreds of local publications extending our reach to millions. 

This International Dark Sky Week demonstrated the true momentum behind our mission—driven by collective action, shared purpose, and a global community ready to protect and reclaim night worldwide!