Super Dark Sky Telescope Viewing Party Hits San Manuel

Members of the Saddlebrooke Skygazers Astronomy Club and Dark Sky Southern Arizona came to the San Manuel Community Center on April 23, 2025. Several telescopes have been set up so that community members of all ages look at objects in our galaxy. Another focus of the event was the importance of the dark sky for the sky observation and the environment. The event was organized by the San Manuel Revitalization Coalition.

The guidelines for dark sky aim to minimize light pollution and to preserve the natural beauty of the night sky. These guidelines emphasize the use of outdoor lighting responsibly in order to reduce the glare, to prevent the transition from the light and to minimize the effects on ecosystems and human health.

Key principles of the guidelines for Dark Sky:

• Appropriate brightness: Use the lowest levels of light that are required for the respective task.
• Warm color temperature: opt for warmer light tones (3000 km or lower) that radiate less blue light.
• Shielded and downward lighting: direct light where it is needed and avoid lifting it.
• Controlled lighting: Use controls such as timers, sensors or dimmers to minimize unnecessary light.
• Responsible use: only then use lights when and if necessary.

Examples of dark sky -friendly practices:

• Fully shielded devices: make sure that fittings do not give light over the horizontal level.
• Avoid glare: position lights to prevent glare from penetrating into the window or eyes.
• Reduce the light representative: minimize the amount of light that is buried on neighboring properties.
• Use efficient lights: Choose the most energy -efficient lamps that are suitable for use.
• Prioritize security: Make sure that the lighting offers sufficient lighting for safety, especially in areas such as sidewalks and entrances.

Organizations that promote Dark Sky guidelines:

• Darksky International: A leading organization that works for responsible lighting outdoors and the protection of the dark sky.
• International Dark Sky Association: (Ida), now known as Darksky International, has a program for certification of lighting products and projects.
• Do not leave any trace: promotes responsible recovery in natural areas, including the use of dark -friendly lighting at campsites.

Advantages of Dark Sky guidelines:

• Environmental protection: reduces the negative effects of light pollution to wildlife and ecosystems.
• Advantages of human health: reduces exposure to artificial light, which can affect sleep and other health factors.
• Energy saving: minimizes the amount of light used, saves energy and lowers the costs.
• Preservation of the night sky: protects the natural beauty and the scientific value of the night sky.

Six quick tips for dark sky lighting

If you are considering the lighting of Dark Sky, you will find some ideas that you should consider when shopping:

Tip 1. If you need the light, you should switch on the movement sensor outdoors and switch off if you do not.

Tip 2. Sometimes less is more. Reduce the performance of your outdoor light bulb from 100 to 50 watts. Good lighting outdoors is not excessively bright in terms of the environment.

Tip 3. The devices for ascent areas, sidewalks, garden areas and street lighting should steer your entire light on the ground.

Tip 4. To protect the visibility of the night sky, avoid lifting.

Tip 5. Consideration for neighbors – avoid slight transitions and dazzling bliss that float in neighboring yards.

Tip 6. Use the most efficient suitable lamp.

Efficient lighting from Dark Sky not only protects the environment and preserves our energy resources, but can also save money costs in the long run.

Darksky Southern Arizona is an official chapter of Darksky International, a leading non -profit profit that works to restore the nightly environment and to protect the municipalities from the harmful effects of light pollution through public relations, attorney and nature conservation.

“From iconic Saguaro forests to mountain sky islands, Southern Arizona is an ecological jewel with incredible biodiversity. These unique ecosystems are dependent on the dark sky. Experience. “

“We are also committed to better lighting regulations in the entire region and promote actively responsible astro tourism in and around the area. We can show you where to find beautiful dark and starry sky in South Arizona.”

Further information can be found at https://darkskysoaz.org and https://darkksky.org.

The tri-community is blessed with dark sky conditions that made it possible for those present to see star clusters, double stars, constellations, fog, planets, moons and much more. Many thanks to everyone who appeared for this event.