Support Us Button Widget

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week

Protect the night by taking some simple actions Saturday, April 15-Saturday, April 22

The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.

There’s more colors out there than navy. | Photo by Jeremy Thomas via Unsplash

Saturday, April 15 kicks off International Dark Sky Week, an initiative to combat light pollution in cities all over the world. Do you want to see stars over our city — even downtown? Follow these recommendations from the International Dark Sky Association.

Help measure night sky brightness as a “citizen-scientist” with Globe at Night.

Inventory your home lighting by following the IDA checklist — it could be as easy as pointing an upward-facing light towards the ground.

Join the IDSW scavenger hunt. You’ll start by downloading the free hunt card. Record your progress, send the completed card to IDA, and claim some free Dark Sky stickers.

Contact a local government representative and request an official proclamation of IDSW. Awareness matters: Locals like you initiated 23 successful proclamations nationwide in 2022.

Write a letter to the editor of your (second) favorite newsletter, paper, or magazine. No debate skills necessary — just follow the playbook and make a case for dark skies.

Become a Dark Sky Advocate. Want more star parties, dark city walks, and collaboration with local organizations? Help protect the night as a local point of contact for IDA.

Find local stargazing events. Consider supporting Midlands Astronomy Club. Or, plan a trip to your nearest Dark Site and tag us on Instagram (@COLAtoday) with your view of the night sky. Bonus: The Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 19-April 22.

More from COLAtoday
Ray Tanner will transition to senior advisor to the president as USC begins searching for a new athletics director.
This year’s fair showcases new attractions, exhibits, and improved access, and celebrates the Palmetto State’s unique culture, history, and charm.
Columbia, SC has 230+ years of history. In this guide, we’re diving into the city’s oldest streets and how they got their names.
Nine years after the unprecedented flooding in Columbia, the Old Mill Pond Trail is now open for locals to stroll.
Prepare for fall weather in the the Capital City with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.
South Carolina’s first Crystal Lagoons® amenity is coming to Oak Hills in Columbia, featuring a beach-style lagoon and amenities like restaurants, parks, and luxury homes.
Gather together with local community members for the ‘Morning of Remembrance Ceremony as Cola honors SC’s first responders + military service members.
Visitation increased from 15.8 million in 2022 to 16.4 million in 2023. We’re breaking down some other tourism stats + we’ll give you ways to get involved and keep the ball rolling as citizens.
Join the Columbia community on Sunday, Oct. 6, for the seventh annual Buddies, Not Bullies Rally and Parade to promote kindness, inclusion, and mental health awareness.
Deep dive into this guide for fans to participate in ESPN’s College GameDay in Columbia, including event details, Gamecock Walk, and Pep Rally.