International Dark Sky Week Proclamation
 

WHEREAS, the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind; and

WHEREAS, the experience of standing under a starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, encouraging a growing interest in science and nature, particularly among young people and visitors from outside 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 Santa Fe, lives 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, light pollution represents a waste of natural resources amounting to roughly $3 billion per year of wasted energy in the United States and contributes to diminished energy security; and

WHEREAS, astronomy - which is 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 $25 million, including an indirect attachment to more than 150,000 jobs through the aerospace and defense sector; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Fe Stargazers is a group of Santa Fe area residents who share a passion for observing the day and night sky, be it by naked eye, binocular, or telescope, and who meet regularly to observe as a group, to share their passion for the night sky with the lay public, and to increase knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of astronomy, and to engage in advocacy for dark skies, so that all may enjoy the beauty of the heavens; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is internationally famous for its dark sky tourism, drawing people to its nine DarkSky International certified International Dark Sky Places; and

WHEREAS, the 1999 New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act was signed to regulate outdoor night lighting fixtures to preserve and enhance the state's dark sky while promoting safety, conserving energy and preserving the environment for astronomy; and

WHEREAS, DarkSky International, the globally recognized authority on light pollution, and its New Mexico chapter – New Mexico Darksky - recognize International Dark-Sky Week to raise awareness of the effects of light pollution, provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public, and encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting.

 

Now, Therefore, I, Michael J. Garcia, Mayor of the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, do hereby declare April 13-20, 2026, as

INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK

in the City of Santa Fe and ask each resident to join me not only in observing and pondering upon this important week but also in raising awareness and support for protecting our precious dark sky as a resource.