DarkSky Texas

05/26/2026

Most people think light pollution is too big to fix.
It’s not.

Real change happens at the local level, one neighborhood, one policy, one conversation at a time.

If you’ve ever thought about making a difference, this is where to start.

Read more and take action.

https://darkskytexas.org/starting-a-dark-sky-movement-in-your-community/

Local advocacy is the frontline defense against light pollution. Grassroots movements across the country have proven that community-based efforts can successfully restore dark skies, one neighborhood at a time. From small towns to urban centers, dedicated residents are reclaiming the night sky and t...

05/25/2026

Not all lighting is good lighting.

Permanent lights may look great, but if they’re unshielded, too bright, or always on, they could be doing serious harm.

Before you switch them on tonight, ask one simple question: Do I really need them?

Find out how to make smarter lighting choices:
https://darkskytexas.org/are-permanent-light-installations-darksky-friendly/

Permanent lights are a growing trend among many homeowners. Permanent lighting installations are year-round LED strips and accent lights installed under eaves, on porches, and around trees that give you full control over lighting your house for every holiday and special event. These lights are offer...

05/24/2026

Can’t sleep because of a neighbor’s bright lights?

You’re not alone, and you’re not stuck with it.

Simple, respectful steps can solve most light trespass issues:

https://darkskytexas.org/neighbor-light-trespass-texas/

It’s 11:30 p.m., and you’re trying to fall asleep, but a harsh white light is shining straight through your bedroom window. Or maybe your backyard, once a peaceful place to unwind, now feels like a stadium because of the nearby floodlights.

05/23/2026

More light doesn’t always mean more safety.

In many cases, it creates glare, shadows, and discomfort instead.

If a neighbor’s lights are affecting you, here’s how to handle it:
https://darkskytexas.org/neighbor-light-trespass-texas/

05/22/2026

That bright light from your neighbor’s house might be affecting more than your sleep.

Light trespass is common, but it’s often fixable without conflict.

Here’s what you can actually do:

https://darkskytexas.org/neighbor-light-trespass-texas/

05/21/2026

The Central Texas Astronomical Society (CTAS) invites the public to an Open House and Public Star Party on Saturday, May 23, at the Paul and Jane Meyer Observatory near Clifton. The Open House will run from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with the Public Star Party beginning at sunset, weather permitting. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to explore the night sky from one of the darkest observing sites in Central Texas.
Sunset on May 23 will occur at 8:21 PM, with full darkness arriving around 10:00 PM. A 50% illuminated Moon will brighten the sky somewhat and limit viewing of fainter deep-sky objects, but many brighter celestial targets will still provide spectacular views through CTAS telescopes.
One of the evening’s featured objects will be the Beehive Cluster (Messier 44), a large and beautiful open star cluster in the constellation Cancer. Visible to the naked eye under dark skies, the Beehive contains hundreds of stars spread across a region larger than the full Moon, making it especially impressive in binoculars and wide-field telescopes. Guests may also have opportunities to view other bright objects such as the Hercules Globular Cluster (Messier 13), one of the finest globular clusters visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
As an added bonus, Jupiter will be prominent in the evening sky, and its famous Great Red Spot may be visible through CTAS telescopes during the event, weather permitting.
The observatory will be open for a presentation and guided tour throughout the evening. If skies are clear, CTAS members will have multiple telescopes set up across the observing field to view planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. Several smart telescopes will also be in operation, capturing live images of celestial objects for guests to enjoy. In the event of cloudy skies, a special “Cloudy Nights” presentation will be held inside the observatory.
If you plan to attend, please register through the event calendar so we can better estimate attendance. For directions, event updates, and online registration, please visit www.centexastronomy.org. Registered guests may also receive monthly notifications about upcoming CTAS events.

Contact Information:
Doug Peters
CTAS Star Party Coordinator
[email protected]

05/21/2026

What if your neighborhood could bring back the stars?

Across Texas and beyond, communities are proving that small, local actions can lead to real change: better sleep, healthier ecosystems, and darker skies.

It starts with awareness, and it grows through action.

See how you can lead the change in your own community.
https://darkskytexas.org/starting-a-dark-sky-movement-in-your-community/

05/20/2026

You don’t need to be an expert to protect the night sky.

Every meaningful change starts with a few people who decide to care, speak up, and take action in their own community.

Learn how to start a dark sky movement where you live.
https://darkskytexas.org/starting-a-dark-sky-movement-in-your-community/

05/19/2026

More than 200,000 observations have been submitted to Globe at Night.

You can be part of it.

Sign up to submit your data through the DarkSky Texas SQM Database. We show you how to also send your observations to Globe at Night and support ongoing sky monitoring.

Every reading adds to the bigger picture.

https://sqm.darkskytexas.org/

https://darkskytexas.org/globe-at-night-light-pollution-monitoring-texas/

05/18/2026

For accurate night sky measurements, timing matters.

Moonlight increases sky brightness and can affect your readings. Observing on moon-free nights helps ensure your data reflects true light pollution levels.

If you're using a Sky Quality Meter for your observations, submit your data through the DarkSky Texas SQM Database. We show you how to also send your observations to Globe at Night and support both local and global monitoring efforts.

Better conditions. Better data. Stronger impact.

https://sqm.darkskytexas.org/

https://darkskytexas.org/globe-at-night-light-pollution-monitoring-texas/