SLV Dark Sky Advocacy Group

02/19/2026

One of the most powerful things about protecting our dark skies is this: you can actually make a difference. In a world where so much feels out of our control, this is something local, tangible, and achievable — together.

As more people discover and move to the San Luis Valley, it becomes even more important to share the message. Growth doesn’t have to mean losing our stars. Awareness is the first step, and that starts with conversations — with neighbors, friends, businesses, and community leaders.

If you look at the dark sky map on Light Pollution Map, you can clearly see how cities and towns create “light domes” that wash out the night sky for miles. The good news? Most of that glow comes from poorly designed or unnecessary lighting — which means it’s fixable.

https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/ =7.96&lat=37.6580&lon=-106.7330&state=eyJiYXNlbWFwIjoiTGF5ZXJCaW5nUm9hZCIsIm92ZXJsYXkiOiJzYl8yMDI0Iiwib3ZlcmxheWNvbG9yIjpmYWxzZSwib3ZlcmxheW9wYWNpdHkiOiI2MCIsImZlYXR1cmVzb3BhY2l0eSI6Ijg1In0=

Simple ways YOU can help:
✨ Use fully shielded, downward-facing outdoor lights
✨ Choose warm color bulbs (2700K or lower — amber is even better)
✨ Turn lights off when they aren’t needed
✨ Use motion sensors or timers
✨ Talk to neighbors about why it matters

Even if you can’t replace a fixture right now, just leaving a light off or switching to a warmer bulb makes a real difference. Small actions add up across a whole community.

(See the photo example below showing dark-sky-friendly lighting 👇)

Protecting the night isn’t just about astronomy. It supports wildlife, improves human health, saves energy, and preserves something deeply human — the experience of looking up and feeling wonder.

Please consider sharing this post. Education spreads the impact far beyond one household. Together, we can protect something truly special.

We can’t control everything in this crazy world… but we can protect our stars. 🌌

02/18/2026

We are incredibly lucky to have Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve right in our backyard here in the San Luis Valley. It’s not just a stunning landscape by day — it’s also one of the most dark-sky-friendly places you can experience anywhere. When the stars come out, the darkness here can feel almost magical… the kind of night sky that stops you in your tracks and reminds you how big the universe really is.

Right now is actually one of the BEST times to visit — that sweet spot before peak tourist season arrives. Cooler temps, quieter trails, and wide-open skies make it perfect for a peaceful evening under the stars. Whether you’re camping, stargazing, or just taking a sunset walk, this “pre-season” window is something special.

If you want to plan your own dark sky adventure (or try night photography), I highly recommend the app PhotoPills. It lets you:
✨ See exactly where the Milky Way will appear on any date and time
🌙 Track moon phases and rise/set times
☀️ Plan around sunrise and sunset
📍 Scout locations virtually before you even leave home

It’s an amazing tool for anyone who loves the night sky — even beginners. There are also great tutorials on YouTube that show how to use it step-by-step.

https://youtu.be/cr2uxAm0Drg?si=ql6mzYYgtmsPpPkv

Protecting our dark skies isn’t just about astronomy — it’s about preserving wonder, wildlife, and the unique beauty that makes this valley so special. Let’s keep it that way. 🌌

12/14/2025

12/09/2025

Mark your calendars! A Magical Night Ahead

On December 14th, the sky is putting on its greatest show of the year: The Geminid Meteor Shower. Unlike last year, the moon will be a thin crescent, leaving the sky deep, dark, and perfect for viewing.

We have something precious here in the San Luis Valley that much of the world has lost: true darkness. But it is fragile.

Our Challenge to You: This Saturday night, let’s trade the Christmas lights for starlight. By turning off our outdoor displays, we pull back the curtain on the universe. It’s a fleeting moment of magic that connects us all. Go outside, let your eyes adjust, and watch the sky come alive.

Don't miss it!

10/21/2025

🌌 Don’t Miss Tonight’s Cosmic Show!

We might have almost forgotten — but it’s not too late to catch a rare dark-sky spectacle tonight! Two comets, C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN), are at their brightest right now — and you can see them from right here in the San Luis Valley.

🔭 When to Look: About 90 minutes after sunset is the best time.
🌠 Where:

Face northwest just after sunset for Comet Lemmon — near the Big Dipper and the bright star Arcturus.

Face southwest to catch Comet SWAN, which sits lower toward the horizon.
Bring binoculars if you have them and let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes — it makes a big difference!

✨ Need help finding them? Try Stellarium!
If you haven’t used it yet, the Stellarium Mobile app is one of the best stargazing tools out there — and it’s incredibly simple. Just open the app, point your phone at the sky, and it will label every star, planet, and constellation in real time. You can even fast-forward or rewind the night sky to see where things will move. It’s like having a planetarium in your pocket — perfect for finding tonight’s comets or learning the constellations that light up our San Luis Valley skies.

📱 Download Stellarium here:
🔸 Android (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noctuasoftware.stellarium_free

🔹 iPhone (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stellarium-mobile/id1459802900

🌑 It’s a new moon, so skies will be extra dark — perfect for comet viewing and appreciating just how amazing our valley’s night sky really is. In a world full of bright screens and chaos, this is something we can control: turn off unnecessary outdoor lights and help keep our dark skies alive.

10/18/2025

🌌 October Night Skies: Crisp Air and Shooting Stars 🌠

As the nights grow cooler and longer, our view of the Milky Way’s bright core is slowly fading into the southwest after dusk. But don’t pack up your stargazing gear just yet — October brings some of the clearest skies of the year. Cooler, drier air means less haze and sharper views of the constellations, planets, and this month’s highlight: the Orionid meteor shower, peaking around October 20–22 — right alongside a new moon for beautifully dark skies. These fast, bright meteors are tiny traces of Halley’s Comet, burning up high above our valley.

🔭 Dark Sky Tip: To catch the most meteors, head outside after midnight, find the darkest spot you can, and give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust. Even a single light — a porch bulb, a yard light, or a streetlamp — can wash out dozens of stars and rob your neighbors of the same view.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, this is something we can control. Every single light bulb makes a difference. By shielding outdoor lights, using warmer bulbs, or simply turning them off when they’re not needed, we each play a part in keeping the San Luis Valley’s night sky wild, peaceful, and full of wonder.

Let’s keep our stars — and our sense of place — shining bright. ✨

07/24/2025

🌑✨ New Moon + Meteor Showers + Clear Skies This Weekend = Dark Sky Magic ✨🌑

Tonight’s new moon gives us the darkest skies of the month — and that’s great timing, because the Delta Aquariid meteor shower is peaking this week! These meteors are known for their long, slow trails and are most visible after midnight, especially looking toward the southern sky.

This coming weekend looks excellent for clear night skies across the San Luis Valley — perfect for heading out to a dark spot, laying back, and watching the show.

And mark your calendars:
The Perseid meteor shower — usually the most spectacular of the year — will peak August 11–13. With minimal moonlight this year, it's shaping up to be a must-see!

🌌 Help keep our skies dark and beautiful:

✔️ Point outdoor lights down, not out or up
✔️ Use warm bulbs (2700K or less)
✔️ Turn off lights when you’re not using them
✔️ Use timers or motion sensors where you can
✔️ Talk with neighbors about responsible lighting

Every small change adds up to a better view of the night sky — for all of us.

Let’s keep the San Luis Valley one of Colorado’s last true dark sky sanctuaries. 🏔️💫

05/22/2025

🌑 New Moon, New Opportunity

The new moon marks the darkest time of the month—a perfect opportunity to step outside, let your eyes adjust, and take in the brilliance of the Milky Way Galaxy stretching across the night sky.

Here in the San Luis Valley, we're incredibly fortunate. Most people alive today will never experience truly dark skies. More than 80% of the world’s population lives under some level of light-polluted skies—a view of the stars stolen by the glow of artificial lights.

But in a chaotic, fast-moving world, there is something you can control:
💡 Your contribution to light pollution.

Whether you’re stargazing or just stepping outside at night, the choices you make with your outdoor lighting matter more than you think. Here’s how you can make a real, tangible difference:

🔦 Smart Lighting Choices for Preserving Dark Skies
✅ Use Warm-Color Bulbs
Look for bulbs labeled 2700K or lower. Cooler color temperatures (like the bright blue-white 5000K+ bulbs) scatter more light in the atmosphere and disrupt both wildlife and human circadian rhythms.

✅ Install Shielded Fixtures
Use fully shielded or cut-off fixtures that direct light downward, where it's needed—not up into the sky or into your neighbor’s yard.

✅ Avoid Over-lighting
More light isn’t better. Use the right amount, and put lights on timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary nighttime illumination.

✅ Say No to Decorative Uplighting
That beautiful tree or flag? It’ll still be there in the morning. Nighttime uplighting adds to skyglow and harms the view for everyone.

We have something rare here. Let’s not take it for granted.
By making better choices, you can help protect the view of the stars—not just for yourself, but for future generations.

✨ This new moon, step outside and look up. It’s the best night of the month to remember what we’re fighting to preserve.

If you believe in protecting our night skies, like and follow this page to stay connected, learn more, and be part of the movement. Every small action adds up. 🌌

04/17/2025

🌠 Lyrids Meteor Shower – Happening Now! 🌠
The Lyrids, one of the oldest known meteor showers, are active right now and will peak in the early morning hours of April 22nd. This is a fantastic chance to experience the wonder of a natural celestial event right here under our dark SLV skies!

✨ Best Viewing Tips:

Head outside between midnight and dawn for your best chance at catching meteors.

The best viewing window without moonlight would be approximately between 10pm and 1am.
Try to find a dark spot away from artificial lights—let's keep our skies wild and starry.

🌟 What to Expect:

Under ideal conditions (clear, dark skies with no light pollution), you can typically see 10–20 meteors per hour.

Occasionally, the Lyrids surprise us with outbursts of up to 100 meteors per hour! While rare, it's worth staying out and looking up just in case.

🛰️ Fun fact: The Lyrids are bits of debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, and they’ve been observed for over 2,700 years.

Let’s celebrate this incredible cosmic show and remember why preserving our dark skies matters—for wonder, for wildlife, and for future generations.

🔭 Share your photos or viewing plans in the comments—we’d love to hear how you're enjoying the Lyrids!

03/30/2025

🌑✨ New Moon & the Return of the Milky Way Core ✨🌑

With the new moon upon us, now is the perfect time to step outside and experience the beauty of the night sky! This time of year, as the Earth shifts in its orbit, the core of the Milky Way galaxy begins to rise into view, offering breathtaking celestial sights.

If you live in a town like Alamosa or any area with bright artificial lights, take a short drive to a darker spot in the SLV for an even more stunning view. The less light pollution, the more stars you’ll see!

🔭 Tips for the Best Night Sky Viewing:
✨ Let your eyes adjust for at least 20–30 minutes—this helps you see more detail in the stars.
✨ Avoid headlights, phone screens, and porch lights—any bright white light can reset your night vision.
✨ Use a red light setting on a headlamp or flashlight—red light helps preserve your night vision while still allowing you to see your surroundings.

For any aspiring night-sky photographers, the PhotoPills app is a fantastic tool to help you plan your shots, frame the Milky Way, and know exactly when and where the moon will be in relation to the galactic core. Check it out here:
📲 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.photopills.android.photopills
📲 Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/photopills/id596026805

Take some time to step outside, let your eyes adjust, and enjoy the wonders above. If you capture a great shot, share it with us—we’d love to see your night sky experiences! 🌌💫

02/28/2025

🌑 **New Moon, New Perspective on Light Pollution** 🌑

With the upcoming **new moon**, it's the perfect time to step outside, let your eyes adjust, and take in the breathtaking beauty of our dark skies. The absence of moonlight makes fainter stars, the Milky Way, and even distant galaxies more visible—if we allow the night to remain dark.

**Did you know?** Both **residential and commercial lighting** play a huge role in light pollution. Poorly designed outdoor lights—especially those that are too bright, unshielded, or left on unnecessarily—scatter artificial light into the night sky, washing out the stars and disrupting ecosystems. Thoughtful lighting choices, like **shielded, warm-colored, and motion-activated lights**, can make a big difference.

✨ **Explore the Night Sky!** ✨
Want to enhance your stargazing experience? Try apps like **Sky Guide, Stellarium, or SkyView** to help you identify constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects. These tools bring the ancient art of celestial navigation into the palm of your hand.

For thousands of years, the stars have guided travelers across oceans, inspired myths, and connected civilizations to the cosmos. Let's do our part to preserve this connection for future generations.

🔭 **What will you spot this new moon?** Share your stargazing experiences with us!

01/23/2025

**Winter Stargazing: A Great Time to Look Up!**

The cold winter months may not seem like an ideal time to step outside, but they’re actually one of the best times to stargaze. Why? The winter air is often clearer, providing crisper, brighter views of the night sky. Plus, with the longer nights, you have more time to explore the stars!

This month, the *new moon* on January 29th creates the perfect opportunity for stargazing. Without moonlight to wash out the sky, the stars and constellations will shine even brighter. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and head outside for a spectacular view!

**Pro Tips for Adjusting Your Eyes to the Dark:**
🌌 **Avoid screens and artificial lights.** It takes about 20-30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark, so keep phones and flashlights off. If you need light, use a red flashlight or cover your light source with red cellophane—it preserves your night vision.
🌌 **Be patient.** The longer you stay out, the more details you’ll notice.
🌌 **Turn off nearby outdoor lights.** This not only improves your view but also helps reduce light pollution.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite winter stargazing tips in the comments, and let us know what you spot in the night sky. Don’t forget to **like and share our page** to help spread the word about preserving dark skies.

Follow along as we begin posting more about upcoming celestial events, including meteor showers, planets, and other wonders of the night sky. Together, we can inspire others to look up and appreciate the beauty above us. ✨