Didier Saumon, left, and  Galen Gisler accept a proclamation Tuesday evening from Councilor Theresa Cull recognizing April 15-22 as International Dark Sky Week in Los Alamos. Photo by Julie William-Hill/LAC

COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS

Los Alamos Councilors meeting Tuesday at the Municipal Building Tuesday, approved a proclamation recogniZing the week of April 15-22 as Dark Sky Week in Los Alamos. The proclamation, which was presented by Councilor Theresa Cull, reads as follows:

WHEREAS, the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind, and the experience of standing beneath a starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, encouraging a growing interest in science and nature, especially among young people and out-of-area visitors to Los Alamos; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that light pollution negatively affects human health, wildlife and ecosystems. In addition, light pollution wastes natural resources, amounting to roughly $3 billion per year of wasted energy in the United States and contributes to diminished energy security; and

WHEREAS, 80 percent of the world’s population 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, Los Alamos County is home to major scientific facilities, some of which are dedicated to observing the night sky regularly; and

WHEREAS, the Valles Caldera National Preserve is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, and the Bandelier National Monument is pursuing such recognition; and

WHEREAS, the canyons and mountains of the Pajarito Plateau are home to dozens of nocturnal wildlife species which rely on undisturbed night environments to hunt, mate, and thrive; and

WHEREAS, the International Dark-Sky Association is the globally-recognized authority on light pollution and has created International Dark-Sky Week to raise awareness of light pollution and provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public to encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting with the help of Los Alamos residents.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby declare April 15-22, 2023 as

INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY WEEK

in Los Alamos County and ask each resident to join me in observing this important week and raising awareness and support for protecting our precious dark skies.