Dark Sky North Carolina DSI Chapter

04/25/2026

A great piece on light pollution, health, nature, and art.

After gathering ideas from entomologists, neurobiologists and others, Jan Tichy created an exhibition responding to the effects of our disappearing nights.

11/26/2025

A nice article on preserving dark skies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Industrialization in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has some residents pushing for protection of the region’s celestial splendor.

08/18/2025

I was contacted by Amy Edwards, from Raleigh, NC, where Lamar Advertising is trying to get permission to put digital billboards in that city. I am looking for advice and perhaps some kind of template for contacting city government about the concerns.
Any advice you can provide would be much appreciated. If you have some legal standing in Raleigh on this issue, you should contact the city government with your concerns.

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07/07/2025

We have a new website!

Why Light Pollution Matters Light pollution not only obscures our view of the universe but also disrupts ecosystems and human health. The North Carolina Chapter of Dark Sky International is committed to raising awareness about the negative effects of excessive artificial light. Through our education...

04/03/2024

Dark Sky International NC section member Dawn-Michelle Oliver worked to get this proclamation of support for this week--International Dark Sky Week, proclaimed by governor Roy Cooper.

06/30/2023

*In 1865, Frederick Law Olmsted wrote a treatise on national parks at the request of the Board of Yosemite Commissioners. In it, the landscape architect — whose most famous work is New York’s Central Park — wrote:

“It is a scientific fact that the occasional contemplation of natural scenes of an impressive character, particularly if this contemplation occurs in connection with relief from ordinary cares, change of air and change of habits, is favorable to the health and vigor of men and especially to the health and vigor of their intellect beyond any other conditions which can be offered them, that it not only gives pleasure for the time being but increases the subsequent capacity for happiness and the means of securing happiness.”

I propose that this also describes the value of the dark, starry night sky.

*From The Writer's Almanac, by Garrison Keillor.

06/28/2023

A great article on cleaning up light pollution in the Texas oil industry!
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/west-texas-dark-skies-mcdonald-observatory/ #

Astronomers and oil refineries are working together to dim the lights of industry — and set celestial sights ablaze.

06/21/2023

We are having our June chapter meeting Thursday 6/22, at 8pm. If you want to join the meeting, email me (Dan Caton) at [email protected] and I will email you the Zoom link.

05/23/2023

We will be starting regular (~monthly) Zoom meetings of our chapter this Thursday, 5/25, with an organizational meeting. If you want to attend please email me at [email protected] and I will send you the Zoom link. I will also add you to an email list for future contact. -- Dan Caton

05/11/2023

Our Dark Sky North Carolina members can now join in activities of Starry Sky South, a multi-state chapter of the IDA. They are having their monthly Zoom meeting at 8:00 tonight (Thursday, 5/11). If you want to join in, the link is below. The last 20 minutes or so we will go into breakout rooms by state, and have a few minutes to discuss our issue. We will soon establish our monthly Zoom meetings. I hope to see you tonight!

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