Jennifer Barlow
International Dark Sky Week 2024
April 2-8
International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide event promoted by DarkSky International and its local chapter, DarkSky Chicago. The week was started by a Virginia high school student Jennifer Barlow in 2003. In explaining why she started the week, Barlow said;
“I want people to be able to see the wonder of the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The universe is our view into our past and our vision into the future. I want to help preserve its wonder.”
Although because of the introduction of unshielded bright LED lights, light pollution has exploded since 2003, the wonder of the night sky without the effect of light pollution remains. Get together with family and friends and go outside at night. Help spread the word about light pollution and the importance of natural dark skies. Stopping and correcting light pollution isn’t just about seeing the few stars that we can still see with our naked eyes. Use the week to also learn about the effects of artificial light at night on human health, our nocturnal wildlife friends, crime and safety, energy waste and global warming.
Discover the Night! Learn more about Dark Sky Week 2024.
Dark Sky Week Proclamations
Dark Sky Chicago is thrilled to announce that the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago have proclaimed the week of April 2-8, 2024, Dark Sky Week. The City of Highland Park and the Village of Forest Park have issued similar proclamations. Special thanks to Dark Sky International advocate, Julie Sacco, for pursuing and obtaining proclamations from the State, Chicago and Forest Park. Julie recently joined the Dark Sky Chicago team. Thank you Julie!!
NEWS
Less than 100 years ago, everyone could look up and see a starry night sky.
Video of Lake Superior night sky by Richard Mack, The Sweetwater Seas – working to preserve The Great Lakes.
Light pollution is increasing worldwide at twice the rate of global population growth.
Eight out of ten people live under a light-polluted night sky, at least three billion dollars is wasted on outdoor lighting each year in the U.S., and virtually every species studied has been harmed by light pollution.
The Chicago Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association is working to help improve the quality of our skies in the greater Chicagoland and Great Lakes region.
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OUR MISSION
Light pollution has an effect on humans, wildlife and ecosystems.
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You are an important force for protecting the night.
