Title
Proclamation Declaring April 13-20, 2026, as "International Dark Sky Week" (Accepted by Didier Saumon and Heidi Morris, Pajarito Astronomers)
Body
WHEREAS, the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind and fosters an interest in science and nature-especially among young people; and,
WHEREAS, 80-percent of the world’s population lives under a dome of light pollution-excessive artificial lighting that disrupts natural darkness-may never experience a dark sky and may suffer scientifically established economic and environmental consequences, such as annual $3 billion of wasted energy in the United States alone; and,
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County is home to scientific facilities dedicated to observing the night sky and Valles Caldera National Preserve, an International Dark Sky Park; and,
WHEREAS, the Pajarito Plateau is home to dozens of nocturnal wildlife species who rely on undisturbed night environments; and,
WHEREAS, the International Dark-Sky Association is the globally recognized authority on light pollution and has created International Dark-Sky Week to raise light-pollution-awareness and provide free education, resources, and solutions to encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies; and,
WHEREAS, the Los Alamos High School Astronomy Club is presenting at the Los Alamos Nature Center on April 17 on light pollution, Valles Caldera National Preserve is hosting an astronomy evening on April 17, and the Pajarito Astronomers are hosting a star party at Overlook Park the evening of April 18.
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the week April 13-20, 2026 as
“International Dark-Sky Week”
in Los Alamos County and ask residents to join us in observing and pondering upon this important week-as well as in raising awareness of and support for protecting our precious dark skies.
DATED this 7th day of April 2026.