by John C. Barentine, Ph.D. IDA Director of Public Policy When white light-emitting diode (LED) technology appeared on the outdoor lighting market late in the last decade, the world was on the edge of economic… Read more
Fulda, Germany Earns International Dark Sky Community Status, First in the Country
The International Dark-Sky Association is pleased to announce the designation of Fulda, Germany as a Provisional International Dark Sky Community. The designation marks the first International Dark Sky Community in Germany. Located near the western edge… Read more
Devils River State Natural Area Designated as First International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Texas, Sixth in World
DEL RIO— Devils River State Natural Area has been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), making it the only Dark Sky Sanctuary in Texas. As the sixth International Dark… Read more
Pollinators: switch street lights off at midnight to help moths and nocturnal wildlife
by Callum Macgregor Postdoctoral research associate, University of York Conservation is often a conflict between the demands of development and a desire to do what is best for the environment. It’s rare that we get… Read more
France Adopts National Light Pollution Policy Among Most Progressive In The World
by John Barentine, IDA Director of Public Policy A new law came into effect in France on the first day of 2019 that sets an important standard in western Europe for the protection of nighttime… Read more
Stewart Island/Rakiura Achieves International Dark Sky Sanctuary Accreditation
All eyes are now looking to the Stewart Island/Rakiura night sky with the Island officially recognised for its exceptional night sky quality. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has confirmed that Stewart Island/Rakiura has been… Read more
IDA Urges Decision-Makers in China Consider Cost-Effective Alternatives to “Artificial Moon”
According to recent media reports, China’s Chengdu, a city in the Sichuan province, has announced plans for an experimental “artificial moon” to be launched in 2020, with two additional satellite launches slated for 2022. The… Read more
New Mexico Blazing a Dark Sky Trail
While New Mexico has long been a destination for dark sky enthusiasts, there had been no organized effort to promote dark sky tourism until the state’s Tourism Department got involved. On a visit to Capulin… Read more