International Dark Sky Week April 21-28, 2025
Hello,
My name is Dena Laterza with Pagosa Sidewalk Astronomers. We host free, educational public events using our telescopes. Being an amateur astronomer, I am also Dark Sky Advocate through DarkSky Colorado, which is our local Chapter of DarkSky International. I have lived in Pagosa Springs for ten years and would like to start by saying that I love our town and I love being able to see the Milky Way! Did you know that an estimated one-third of humanity and 80% of Americans live in places where they cannot see the Milky Way?
In the global effort to reduce light pollution, the term dark sky describes a sky that isn’t “lit” by skyglow or light pollution. I believe the night sky and nocturnal environment are naturally, culturally, and historically important resources worthy of conservation.
I am reaching out to HOAs in town to help me raise awareness for International Dark Sky Week April 21-28, 2025. I have included several infographics and you can refer to the Dark Sky Advocacy page on our website as a resource. DSI has this resource for HOAs as well: Guidance for US homeowners associations
Outdoor fixtures designed for dark skies:
• are downward-facing (no light going upward)
• have the bulb completely shielded (no light escaping horizontally)
• accept LED bulbs with fewer than 800 lumens (or 60w equivalent), however 450 lumens (40w equivalent) are great for porch lights and most other outdoor residential lights
• have Warm White or Soft White bulbs with CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) of 3000K or less
• have active controls like timers or motion-detectors and are only on when necessary
We would like to make everyone aware of the benefits of dark sky compliance in the way of property value, dark sky tourism, human health, as well as to migratory (especially birds) and nocturnal animals. We are all responsible for protecting the night sky as a natural resource for future generations to enjoy. For more information, please read the attached PDF’s
The Dark Sky Movement is gaining momentum in Pagosa Springs, but community engagement is an essential part of any community-wide initiative. I appreciate you joining me to raise awareness of dark skies!
Thank you!