Public lands at Massacre Rim named

International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area in far northern Washoe County, Nevada has been designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, only the seventh place in the world with the elusive designation.

Remaining areas of pristine night sky in the lower 48.

Light Pollution in USA and Europe:

The good, the bad and the ugly.​

​Light pollution is a worldwide problem that has a range of adverse effects on human health and natural ecosystems. Using data from the New World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, satellite data and Gross Domestic Product data, a new study compared light pollution levels, and the light flux to the population size and GDP at the State and County levels in the USA and at Regional and Province levels in Europe.  The study found 6800-fold differences between the most and least polluted regions in Europe, 120-fold differences in their light flux per capita, and 267-fold differences in flux per GDP unit.  Even greater differences were found between US counties in sky pollution and light flux. These findings may inform policy-makers, helping to reduce energy waste and adverse environmental, cultural and health consequences associated with light pollution.​   
[view article and maps at ScienceDirect]

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​​The Good Neighbor Lighting brochure is now available!

​The brochure explains how easy it is to be a good steward of the night sky and provide for pleasing and effective outdoor lighting, without creating a nuisance to others or adversely impacting health, wildlife, or the beauty of the night sky.

A full view can be seen and downloaded on our Solutions page.

High quality tri-folded copies on heavy gloss stock can be obtained directly from Dark Sky Defenders for groups and organizations, along with a brochure display holder if desired, for a minimal cost to cover postage and handling. Use the Contact page to obtain more information, a free sample, or to order.

Everything Under
​the Stars

NEW: A Novel Method Of Dark Sky Evaluation

Dark Sky Defenders is a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to enrich and expand the global appreciation and support for the preservation and protection of the night sky through education and advocacy. Our website also collaborates with other astronomy groups and organizations to provide outreach activities related to astronomy and science, as well as education about dark skies and the reduction of light pollution.

​Donations to Defenders are tax-deductible.

Join the Defenders

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​The night sky is disappearing worldwide at an alarming pace. Dark Sky Defenders is dedicated to advocacy for its conservation and protection.

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