DarkSky Oregon

04/17/2026

✨ Celebrate International Dark Sky Week with us! ✨

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve is proud to be newly designated as an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing our commitment to protecting natural night skies and the exceptional opportunities they provide for learning and stewardship.
This summer, we invite you to explore the night through a series of special programs:

🦉 Night hike with a ranger to learn about nocturnal bird ecology
🦋 Moth appreciation night
🦇 Public bat capture event
🌠 Perseids Meteor Shower viewing
🔭 Star party featuring guided constellation viewing

Stay tuned for dates and details—there’s a whole universe waiting after sunset.

04/13/2026

It’s International Dark Sky Week!
Here are five meaningful actions anyone can take:
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Use warm bulbs (3000K or lower)
• Shield outdoor fixtures
• Learn about Oregon’s dark sky places
• Share why darkness matters

Join us in recognizing the municipalities who have made Dark Sky Week Proclamations.
Statewide:
Governor’s Proclamation
Counties:
Deschutes
Klamath
Lake
Wasco
Cities:
Bend
Eagle Crest
Eugene
Hood River
La Pine
Prineville
Salem
Sisters
Sunriver
White Salmon (Oregon neighbor)

04/09/2026

When we protect the night, we protect wildlife.

Many species, from fireflies to sea turtles, rely on the night to survive. Light pollution disrupts migration, breeding, hunting, and even sleep cycles in many creatures. It turns once thriving nocturnal habitats into confusing landscapes where survival becomes harder.

To learn more about how artificial light at night affects birds and insects, check out our webinar series from past International Dark Sky Week presentations: https://bit.ly/4sfXRQN

📷 Photo by Tom Halligan.

03/31/2026

Big news for Oregon’s night skies!

Antelope Basecamp has officially become Oregon’s first DarkSky Approved Lodging. Located in the tiny high desert town of Antelope, this revitalized micro-cabin resort now joins a group of destinations worldwide committed to protecting natural darkness while creating unforgettable stargazing experiences.

With 10 A-frame cabins, red-only exterior lighting, a Dark Sky Resource Library, it’s in an area already known among astronomers one of the Pacific Northwest’s most magical gateways to the Milky Way.

This milestone is a powerful example of how rural Oregon communities can protect natural resources, support local revitalization, and welcome travelers seeking dark sky experiences. As dark sky tourism continues to grow, Antelope is shining by staying dark. Congratulations to Antelope Basecamp on this incredible achievement.

Read a complete article by DarkSky International here: https://www.darkskyoregon.org/blog/antelope-basecamplodging

Learn more about Antelope Basecamp: https://www.antelopebasecamp.com/

10/13/2025

08/14/2025

Good lighting doesn’t mean bright lighting.

Respect the night and your neighbors by using community-friendly lighting:
✔️ Use lights only when needed
✔️ Aim lights downward
✔️ Use warm, low-intensity bulbs
✔️ Install motion sensors or timers
✔️ Shield fixtures to reduce glare

Small changes to your lighting can protect the night, improve safety, and keep peace in the neighborhood.

Learn more about responsible lighting by visiting https://bit.ly/3U0zrNy

08/14/2025

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04/20/2025

Moths might not get the same spotlight as bees, but they’re powerful pollinators. Research shows they can pollinate flowers even faster than bees during their nightly rounds.

By turning off unnecessary lights at night, we can give moths the dark skies they need to thrive and do their important work. Let's keep the night wild and buzzing.

Interested in learning more? Be sure to attend Dr. Avalon Owens upcoming webinar exploring how outdoor lighting affects insects and which lighting choices actually help (spoiler: it’s not always the ones you think).

Visit https://bit.ly/3EpAVvE to register.

Date: April 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. PDT

03/31/2025

The night belongs to everyone! No matter where you live, the night sky connects us all. But light pollution doesn’t respect borders—so our solutions must be global, too.

By working together, we can protect the stars for everyone, everywhere. Will you join us? Visit https://bit.ly/4bB7LFc to become a DarkSky Member.

03/06/2025

Some places are meant to be experienced under the stars. Imagine drifting down a quiet river, the Milky Way overhead, while the sound of water echoes against canyon walls. The cool night air carries the whispers of the wild—these are the nights that stay with you, a reminder of the beauty only revealed by darkness.

Our friends at Holiday River Expeditions, an Associate Partner of DarkSky International, understand the magic of the river by night—no rush, no screens, just the water, the stars, and good company. ✨ Thank you for sharing this stellar image with us!

📷 Photo credit: Holiday River Expeditions

01/22/2025

It's official - Sisters has become the second International Dark Sky Community in Oregon! 🏔🏕🌔

The designation is the culmination of many years of dark sky advocacy by the Sisters community to help bring awareness of the importance of preserving our nighttime skies for current and future generations to experience its wonder and protect the wildlife that depend on darkness.

Read more here: https://darksky.org/news/sisters-becomes-the-second-international-dark-sky-community-in-oregon/

DarkSky Oregon DarkSky International

01/22/2025

Repost from
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Congratulations to Sisters, Oregon on becoming an International Dark Sky Community! This recognition marks Sisters as Oregon’s second Dark Sky Community and highlights their incredible efforts to protect and celebrate the night sky. By embracing responsible lighting practices, educating the community, and fostering astro-tourism, Sisters is ensuring that future generations can marvel at the stars over the Cascade Mountains.

Congrats to the advocates, students, and officials who made this possible. Your dedication to preserving natural darkness benefits wildlife, enhances the environment, and connects us all to the wonders of the universe. ✨

Welcome to the DarkSky Places family, Sisters! Link in bio to learn about their efforts to become an International Dark Sky Community.