Night Sky Program

A hundred years ago, our view of the dark night sky was filled with stars that inspired wonder and awe in all that saw them. Maybe you have had a similar experience — watching a meteor shower or glimpsing a "falling star" — that reminded you of the priceless natural resource we have in the starry night sky. The presence of a dark night sky can be inspiring — it is one of the few constants in the human experience. When you look at the natural landscape of the earth, there are very few places that look the same as they did long ago. When we look at the night sky, we see the same sky enjoyed by our ancestors.

Unfortunately, the night sky most of us see now is a lot less dark than it was in the past. Inefficient and wasteful outdoor lighting has caused an epidemic of light pollution that blots out the stars and threatens the nighttime environment. This practice creates negative consequences for us and for the creatures that depend upon darkness for survival. The dark skies of our ancestors are disappearing and the problem is only getting worse. If current trends continue, there may come a time when there will be few people left who even remember the magic of a pristine night sky.

The good news about light pollution is that it is easy to fix - the biggest problem is lack of awareness. Once people are aware and willing to help, there are easy and responsible alternatives. It is one of the few environmental issues where the damage done by humans can be reversed. It can be difficult to correct the effects of pollution and impossible to revive an extinct animal, but if everyone were to follow night sky friendly lighting guidelines, the problem would evaporate overnight. And don't think that one person can't make a difference — researchers have found that a single unshielded street lamp can affect the view of the night sky for an observer up to two hundred km away.

So, come join us and get involved! Light pollution is a growing threat to our environment and our quality of life that has some very simple solutions. While security lighting systems may make us feel safer, law enforcement agencies can offer no proof that security lighting actually works to make us safer. Most 175-watt dusk-to-dawn security lights are actually counterproductive to good vision. The glare and deep shadows produced by improperly used lighting can prevent us from seeing criminals and other dangers. No lighting system can ensure security but poor lighting is not the answer. Click here for a list of five simple things you can do to help preserve a naturally dark sky.

Background on the Night Sky Program
The New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance (NMHPA) is a statewide, private non-profit organization that promotes, protects and advocates for preservation of New Mexico's cultural assets. In 1999, the NMHPA declared the New Mexico Night Sky as one of the state's "Most Endangered" cultural resources. Concerned about the effects of light pollution on the historically pristine New Mexico night sky, the alliance began to advocate for its protection. Since that time, the NMHPA has continued to play an important role in the statewide effort to inform the public about the negative consequences of light pollution. The Night Sky Program is dedicated to preventing the loss of the starlit skies that have inspired New Mexicans for generations.

Get a copy of our Consumer Guide to Night Sky Friendly Lighting. Click here

Contact Information: Peter Lipscomb

[ email ]

phone: (505) 989-3696 or (505)  989-7745

The Night Sky Office is a program of the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance (NMHPA)