Events

Watch IDA Texas Present Bill Wren of McDonald Observatory talk about the proposed Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve.

Humans have come to depend on artificial light for night-time activities. Do we understand how artificial light at night affects plants, animals, and even our own health? Watch Cindy Luongo Cassidy give us a peek into our natural world after dark and the effect that artificial light has on it. Her talk starts about 7 minutes into the video. Downloads: Five Lighting Principles and Better Lights for Better Nights Graphic

Learn about the “Fight for the Stars: Be a Knight for the Night” program for elementary and middle schoolers that you can take to young people in your area. Select “Online Learning” at the top of this webpage to explore this exciting educational program.

Click here to listen to Emma explain the program in a Facebook live session.

Missed our event on better options for sports field lighting? No problem! Watch the two videos from the event to catch up on everything you need to know.

In this informative session, Brad Schlesselman from Musco Lighting, who serves as the Chair of the Discomfort Glare in Outdoor Nighttime Environments (DGONE) Committee of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), shared insights into neighborhood-friendly outdoor sports lighting and the advancements in lighting technology that make it possible.

Brad is also a member of several other IES Committees and serves as Treasurer on the DarkSky International Board of Directors, contributing his expertise to the DarkSky Finance and Technical Committees.

Watch the videos below to see how the DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting Program sets the standard for minimizing glare and light pollution while enhancing athletic field visibility.

Watch the videos here:

• Dark Sky Compliance in Sports Lighting Solutions
• Eco-Friendly Solutions for Outdoor Sports Lighting

Don’t forget to share this information with your local sports lighting decision-makers! It’s never too late to explore better options for your community’s sports fields.

Missed our meeting? Don’t worry—you can now watch the full session on YouTube!

In this insightful meeting, Art Schneider, IDA Texas North Texas Regional Manager, and Amy Jackson, Central Texas Regional Manager, guided participants through the process of spreading awareness about protecting our night skies. Whether you’re looking to engage your local community or give presentations to clubs like Rotary, astronomy groups, or schools, this session provides everything you need to know to get started.

You’ll learn:

• How to prepare and deliver effective presentations for various community groups
• How to connect with local schools and educators
• How to use IDA Texas resources, including videos, PowerPoints, and hands-on activities
• Creative demonstration ideas, such as using color grating and mapping the night sky

Watch the full video here: Kick Start Your Dark Sky Advocacy Work

Even if you missed the live session, you can still get involved in advocating for dark skies in your community. Watch the video and share it with others who care about keeping our night skies pristine.

In most cities, perceptions of safety are the primary driver for lighting policy. Often these perceptions are dead wrong and perpetuated by well-meaning officials who do not understand that LED technology easily creates disabling glare and is unforgiving. We now have not just glare but glare on steroids.

Want to know more about International Dark Sky Places? What’s the same about each type of place and what’s different? How do I get started or get things moving again if they have stagnated?

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97704446878?pwd=JGUz6DvuWZrPPqPclbeauHtdyaXjOs.1

Meeting ID: 977 0444 6878
Passcode: 999096

Watch the “Night Lights and Bat Flights” webinar with Dr. Amanda Adams

This webinar explores how artificial light at night affects bats’ flight, foraging, and survival — and why lighting choices matter for protecting nocturnal wildlife.

Dr. Amanda Adams of Bat Conservation International (BCI) shares insights from two decades of global bat research.

Meet at 9:30 AM on the South Steps of the Capitol

We’re honored that Senator Blanco and Representative Troxclair are sponsoring resolutions in support of Dark Sky Day at the Capitol. While we don’t have the exact floor schedule yet, we’re planning to read the resolution on the south steps, and we hope to be recognized on the floor of both the House and Senate during the day.

Plan Ahead: Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be moving around the Capitol.
Know your legislators: Find out who your Texas Senator and Representative are and plan to visit their offices to show your support and raise awareness of efforts to bring better nighttime lighting to our communities!
https://lrl.texas.gov/genInfo/contactleg.cfm

Parking: We suggest the Capitol Visitor’s Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701. However, there are more public garages, street parking, and parking lots within a few blocks. Be prepared to pay for parking.