Past Events

Join the DarkSky Texas Business Meeting. It’s open to all of our membership. We especially encourage attendance by representatives of County-Wide night sky related groups and of Astronomy Clubs. DarkSky Texas Business Meetings Tuesday, Nov 10 · 7:00 – 8:30pm Central Time Video call link: https://zoom.us/j/92016950186 Meeting ID: 920 1695 0186 One tap mobile +13462487799,,92016950186# US (Houston) +17193594580,,92016950186# US

Ready to take your night-sky photos to the next level? 🌌📸

Join astrophotographer Phil Ostroff for a virtual evening focused on turning dark nights into stunning images.

Then, catch up on DarkSky Texas Happenings

📅 Tuesday, September 8, 2026

⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🌙 DarkSky Texas General Membership Meeting

Whether you’re new to astrophotography or looking to sharpen your skills, come learn under the stars.

https://zoom.us/j/92016950186

 

Join us for a special presentation with Dr. Travis Longcore, a leading expert working at the crossroads of science, community planning, and dark skies, with a particular emphasis on wildlife. He will bring the science to life as he explains and categorizes the many ways artificial light affects species and ecosystems, from disrupting circadian rhythms in birds to fragmenting landscapes for puma and other wide-ranging animals. Dr. Longcore will then explore practical solutions, including effective shielding, reducing light intensity, and harnessing the powerful benefits of adjusting light spectrum to avoid the most disruptive colors.

Your participation will help build momentum for better lighting and healthier ecosystems. We also encourage you to invite your community and park planners to attend this event, so they can hear directly from an expert how to incorporate dark-sky principles into their projects.

Space is limited, so please register early to secure your spot. Registration Fee of $15 to cover our expenses for this program.

Zoom link to registration:

https://events.zoom.us/ev/AjNS73nFtHfU8gwRN0LXKXzP101KNMllva98rkHnisDBMOh4WY_c~AtDaMj7MmrG-ADLDy8c5YvDlDN8XSovEigA-lXRhW-XeVUYQMG-OxBkd5Q

Gathering of DarkSky Texas volunteers and leaders to meet in person in Fredericksburg, TX. We will have the opportunity to be updated on our organization, strengthen communication, enhance innovation, build new skills, and prioritize future goals for the organization.

Registration form for Leaders and Volunteers will be available soon.

Review the Agenda and Join us! The agenda has the link to join the meeting.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LRnNViIoW6NzD5R1tlhKEyClZRSId-1J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105677860306105778141&rtpof=true&sd=true

Statewide gathering of Texas Master Naturalists with DarkSky Texas members presenting programs and staffing an exhibit booth.

The General Membership Meeting took place on September 9, 2025, bringing together DarkSky Texas volunteers from across the state. Attendees connected over shared goals, received updates on current initiatives, and explored tools available to support their advocacy work.

You can watch the full meeting replay in the video above (or view it directly on YouTube).

Review the Agenda and Join us! The agenda has the link to join the meeting.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MjF1JRDxOfqbuEF13mEwKZLu8CO6Ozr1/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105677860306105778141&rtpof=true&sd=true

 

On April 25, 2025, supporters gathered at the Texas Capitol for Dark Sky Day at the Capitol.

Representative Troxclair honored DarkSky Texas on the floor of the Texas House, recognizing our efforts to reduce light pollution across the state.

We were proud to be supported by both Senator Blanco and Representative Troxclair, who sponsored resolutions marking this important day.

Watch the video embedded above (or view it directly here) to see Representative Troxclair’s remarks honoring DarkSky Texas.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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