Horseshoe Bay stargazing possible thanks to DarkSky effort
Astronomers in conversation prior to an Oct. 16 stargazing event in Horseshoe Bay. Photo by Cindee Sharp
Horseshoe Bay’s DarkSky program is keeping the night skies clear over the lakeside city, and residents took advantage of that at an Oct. 16 stargazing event hosted by the Hill Country Astronomers.
The event included a guided constellation tour and high-powered telescopes focused on Saturn’s shimmering rings and moons as well as double stars, star clusters, and the distant Andromeda Galaxy, the farthest object visible to the naked eye.
“Events like this are an opportunity for members of the community to come together to celebrate and learn about our night skies in a safe and family-friendly environment,” an HCA spokesperson told DailyTrib.com
Founded in 1988, DarkSky International works to preserve natural night skies through education and the promotion of eco-friendly lighting practices. In November 2015, Horseshoe Bay earned the designation of DarkSky Community, becoming the eighth community in the United States and the second in Texas to receive the recognition.
The HCA also emphasized why protecting dark skies matters. Light pollution, the overuse or poor design of outdoor lighting, impacts not only stargazing but also human health, wildlife, and the environment. According to DarkSky International, each year an estimated 15 million tons of carbon dioxide are emitted in the United States just to power residential outdoor lighting, an amount that would require 875 million trees to offset.
Efforts to reduce light pollution are growing across the Highland Lakes area.
Cottonwood Shores is currently working toward a DarkSky certification, recently updating its lighting ordinance to meet the program’s standards. Nearby, Inks Lake State Park is also pursuing a DarkSky Place designation, joining the effort to preserve the area’s natural night skies. The park submitted its application in January and hopes to join Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, the region’s only certified DarkSky State Park.
A night sky conservation information series is also underway in Burnet County, featuring a noon talk on Oct. 30 and a live meeting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Herman Brown Free Library.
Most recently, DarkSky International celebrated its 100th International DarkSky Place designation with Tumacácori National Historical Park, marking the protection of more than 73,800 square-miles of night sky worldwide.