International Dark Sky Week 2026
Published on March 23, 2026
WHEREAS, the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind; and
WHEREAS, the experience of standing beneath a starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, and encourages a growing interest in science and nature, especially among young people and out-of-area visitors within the local communities; and
WHEREAS, light pollution has scientifically established economic and environmental consequences, which result in significant impacts on the ecology and human health of all communities; and
WHEREAS, 80 percent of the world’s population, including many people in Pima County, live under a dome of light pollution—excessive artificial lighting at night that disrupts natural darkness—and may never experience the visual wonder or ecological and health benefits of living under a dark sky; and
WHEREAS, Arizona hosts 10% of the world’s largest telescopes—including those in our area—the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory/Whipple Observatory, the University of Arizona’s MMT and Large Binocular Telescope Observatories, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the Vatican Observatory; and
WHEREAS, optical Astronomy Astrotourism—which are both hindered and endangered by unfettered light pollution, represents a statewide capital investment of more than $1.3 billion and an annual economic return of over $250 million, including an indirect attachment to more than 150,000 jobs through the aerospace and defense sector; and
WHEREAS, Dark Sky International, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is the globally recognized authority on light pollution, and uses International Dark Sky Week to raise awareness of light pollution, provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public to encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Joseph C. Winfield, the Mayor of the Town of Oro Valley, do hereby proclaim April 13-20, 2026, as
International Dark Sky Week PDF(PDF, 552KB)