Dark Sky Issues


The Parable of the Boiled Frogs
Let this serve as a metaphor for the slow loss of the majesty of our skies to commercial and residential light pollution:
Once upon a time a man from a distant land wished to created a delicacy of boiled frogs for his supper. He prepared his pot of boiling water and then attempted to drop the frogs into the pot. Each time he did so, the energetic frogs leaped out before they could become his supper. After several attempts, he threw out the hot water and filled the pot with pleasantly warm water and tossed the frogs in. They happily swam about thinking they had found a new home. The man then slowly added twigs to the fire, increasing the heat bit by bit until the frogs all fell into a stupor and then into death. They became a tasty meal for the man and his wife.
In other words--the scary thing about light pollution is that it steals our skies so slowly and stealthily that we have fallen into a stupor! Let's start hopping!

Dark Sky Q and A

Q. What are Dark Sky Issues?
A. Issues that deal with the abatement of light pollution through education and legislation to restrict commercial and residential lighting.
Q. What kind of legislation does NM currently have regarding light pollution?
A. The Night Sky Protection Act is our state's legislation. See New Mexico Statutes, New Mexico Statutes Unannotated, Chapter 74, Article 12. Individual municipalities may enact more stringent codes. See below.
Q. What organizations deal with Dark Sky issues?
A. The premier organization is a non-profit Arizona based, international organization called International Dark Sky Association (IDA). See below. Many astronomical societies also deal with these issues.
Q. Is TAAS involved in Dark Sky issues?
A. Yes, TAAS has always been involved. The Board of Directors created a special interest group, DarkSky NM, on April 13, 2000.
Q. How can I join DarkSky NM?
A. You must be a current TAAS member. Send a check to TAAS for $5 at PO Box 50581, Albuquerque, NM 87181-0581. On the check denote DarkSky NM Dues. Do to at least one educational presentation (slide show, speak to a school group, talk to a reporter, etc.) The goal is to build a team of informed educators.
Q. What if I don't have time to make an educational presentation?
A. Complete a 10 Letter Writing Campaign to the Albuquerque City Council. See below addresses of councilors. Inform them of New Mexico dark sky legislation. Include a copy of the Night Sky Protection Act. Email is good but postal mail more effective. Report your 10 contacts to darksky@taas.org.
Q. Why must I be a TAAS member to join?
A. As a sub-group of TAAS, DarkSky NM is eligible to receive this link on the website, funding from the board, space in the newsletter
and access to a pre-existing listserv.
Q. When are the meetings?
A. We have meetings in conjunction with a Santa Fe group, Volunteers for the New Mexico Night Sky. Check the TAAS newsletter for dates and times of meetings.
Q. Will DarkSky NM become politically active?
A. Yes, as the board approves and the membership wishes. Non-profit organizations MAY be politically active within guidelines. Our emphasis is on education.
Q. What are our current projects?
A. We are working toward more effective local ordinances on outdoor lighting in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

Want to Help?


Our current writing campaign is targeted at reminding City of
Albuquerque Councilors and Bernalillo County Commissioners that we
have a statewide code for lighting, and that we citizens would like to
reclaim our night sky. All letters and emails that you can send would be helpful!
Here is the web page of all of the Albuquerque Commissioners,
including phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

The Official Albuquerque City Website
The Bernalillo County Commissioner's Website

Click image for North America at night, in color

David Penasa's Dark Sky Handout


Dark Sky Information Handout -- New Mexico and Albuquerque Area (updated 12-11-05)
David A. Penasa, PE, Univ. of NM PPD Engrg and Const,
(505) 277-1141 / Fax (505) 277-2385


Member of IESNA, IDA, NMHPA Night Sky Program’s Advisory Board,
and the 2000-2001 City of Albuquerque’s Night Sky Protection
Task Force

Here are some basics on light pollution and good outdoor lighting, plus web sites for some
of the existing codes and ordinances that address outdoor lighting in the Albuquerque area and New Mexico.
What is Light Pollution? Collectively, it is:

In summary: "Light pollution is any adverse effect of man-made light used
in the night environment."
Design Criteria for Good Outdoor Lighting

Industry Design Guidelines (make sure your local engineers and
architects are aware of and follow these!)


International Dark-Sky Association
(IDA)


Dark Sky Friendly Light Fixtures and Shielding - sources:

Dark Sky Slide Show


New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act:



New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance (NMHPA) - Night Sky
Program:



City of Albuquerque


Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque


Bernalillo County


City of Rio Rancho

 






Helpful addresses and websites


DarkSky NM info

International Dark Sky Association

Night Sky Protection Act Text