From left, Didier Sauron and Galen Gisler accept a proclamation from Councilor Theresa Cull recognizing April 15-22 as International Dark Sky Week in Los Alamos during Tuesday’s council meeting. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council issued a proclamation recognizing April 15-22 as International Dark Sky Week in Los Alamos during its regular meeting April 4.

Council Vice Chair Theresa Cull read the proclamation:

WHEREAS, the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind, and the experience of standing beneath a starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, encouraging a growing interest in science and nature, especially among young people and out-of-area visitors to Los Alamos; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that light pollution negatively affects human health, wildlife and ecosystems. In addition, light pollution wastes natural resources, amounting to roughly $3 billion per year of wasted energy in the United States and contributes to diminished energy security; and

WHEREAS, 80 percent of the world’s population lives under a dome of light pollution-excessive artificial lighting at night that disrupts natural darkness-and may never experience the visual wonder or ecological and health benefits of living under a dark sky; and

WHEREAS, Los Alamos County is home to major scientific facilities, some of which are dedicated to observing the night sky regularly; and

WHEREAS, the Valles Caldera National Preserve is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, and the Bandelier National Monument is pursuing such recognition; and

WHEREAS, the canyons and mountains of the Pajarito Plateau are home to dozens of nocturnal wildlife species which rely on undisturbed night environments to hunt, mate, and thrive; and

WHEREAS, the International Dark-Sky Association is the globally-recognized authority on light pollution and has created International Dark-Sky Week to raise awareness of light pollution and provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public to encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting with the help of Los Alamos residents.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby declare April 15-22, 2023 as INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY WEEK

in Los Alamos County and ask each resident to join me in observing this important week and raising awareness and support for protecting our precious dark skies.