The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners and Pagosa Springs Town Council both granted proclamations in recognition of International Dark Sky Week 2025, April 21-28.
We appreciate the ongoing work of both county and town government in support of dark skies.
The proclamation request was also endorsed by several local organizations, including the Weminuche Audubon Society, the Pagosa Springs Photography Club, the San Juan Outdoor Club and the San Juan Stargazers.
The night sky is an important natural resource worthy of conservation. We hope this inspires community participation to protect it.
DarkSky International, headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., is the globally recognized authority on light pollution. It provides resources and solutions to minimize light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting. DarkSky’s Advocates Network is a global community united in its efforts to protect the night. Learn how you can become and advocate or donate to the cause at DarkSky.org.
Amateur astronomers across the globe celebrate International Dark Sky Week. You can celebrate International Dark Sky Week by turning off your outdoor lighting, going outside with friends and family to enjoy the night sky, planning neighborhood star parties, learning more about dark sky-friendly lighting, and assessing your home’s outdoor lighting. Embrace the darkness. Use this celebratory week to talk to friends and neighbors about how each one of us can make a difference by improving outdoor lighting to protect the night sky.
There’s a lot of movement toward preserving dark skies along the U.S. 160 corridor here in Colorado.
Chimney Rock National Monument is very close to achieving recognition by DarkSky International as a Dark Sky Park, adding it to other parks in Southern Colorado including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Mesa Verde National Park. The city of Durango and the town of Bayfield are working on becoming Dark Sky Communities, and the San Luis Valley Great Outdoors coalition is working toward designation of the Sangre de Cristo Dark Sky Reserve. We are just getting started here in Pagosa Country.
The Pagosa Sidewalk Astronomers provide community service through astronomy, hosting free, educational public events and raising awareness about preserving the night sky through outreach and education. If you are passionate about dark skies, contact us. We’ve been waiting for you.
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