Maricopa Urges Community to Dim the Lights for Dark Sky Week

During the Maricopa City Council meeting on Tuesday night, Mayor Nancy Smith encouraged residents to embrace the beauty of the night sky through a Dark Sky proclamation for International Dark Sky Week.

“This is called a Dark Sky Lights Out event,” said Vice Mayor Amber Liermann. Residents are invited to turn off indoor and outdoor lights for 30 minutes and enjoy the celestial view with family.

Following the meeting, the city shared a message on Facebook, urging neighbors to participate by turning off unnecessary lights to appreciate the stars from their own backyards or balconies.

Additionally, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors issued a similar proclamation on April 2. Both declarations highlight the critical issue of light pollution, which obscures the stars, disrupts ecosystems, and incurs billions in wasted energy expenditures annually.

From April 21 to 28, Maricopa and Pinal County will join a global effort to observe International Dark Sky Week, promoting the environmental, cultural, and economic significance of preserving the natural darkness.

On Monday, residents are invited to join a countywide “Dark Sky Lights Out” event from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Individuals, businesses, and municipalities are encouraged to turn off unnecessary lights, fostering a shared experience of stargazing.

The proclamation outlines the detrimental impacts of light pollution, including its disruption of human health and wildlife, alongside an estimated annual cost of $3 billion in wasted energy throughout the U.S.

“Light pollution doesn’t just block our view of the stars,” the document states. “It affects ecosystems, contributes to climate change, and robs communities of the natural beauty that should be part of everyday life.”

Arizona holds a unique position in astronomy, housing about 10% of the world’s largest telescopes and a number of notable observatories. The state’s commitment to dark sky preservation benefits scientific research and tourism, strengthening ties to various sectors, including aerospace and education.

According to DarkSky International, approximately 80% of the global population lives under light pollution. In areas like Pinal County, the Milky Way may remain unseen by residents.

While Maricopa is not designated as an official “Dark Sky” city, it has implemented policies to mitigate light pollution. City spokesperson Monica Williams stated, “The City of Maricopa has had a lighting code in place since its incorporation to help limit light pollution.”

The municipal code mandates downward-facing, full-cutoff lighting to minimize glare and skyglow. Though not compulsory, the city encourages energy-efficient solutions like motion sensors for businesses and developers.

Arizona is recognized for its exceptionally dark skies and is home to esteemed observatories such as Kitt Peak and Lowell Observatory. It boasts the highest number of Dark Sky-certified communities, with Flagstaff being the first to receive this honor.

The importance of protecting dark skies extends beyond scientific inquiry; it also bears cultural significance. “There’s no civilization in history that hasn’t turned to the stars for meaning,” remarked James Lowenthal, a professor of astronomy and dark sky advocate.

For those interested in learning more about Pinal County’s Dark Sky initiatives and how to participate in the Lights Out event, detailed information is available at Pinal.gov/DarkSkies. A comprehensive schedule of events is also provided online.

The new moon on April 27 marks the most opportune moment to view the night sky at its darkest.