Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Amid Rising Light Pollution, West Texas Safeguards the World’s Largest Dark Sky Reserve

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At the McDonald Observatory in Texas, locals and visitors are gathering for a star party under some of the darkest skies in the world, shielded from increasing light pollution by regional conservation efforts. Set high in the Davis Mountains, the observatory invites attendees to enjoy celestial views through high-powered telescopes, offering a rare spectacle that connects them to the cosmos. With approximately 75,000 visitors attending these events annually, the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest of its kind, plays a crucial role in preserving this natural resource. Astronomers and conservationists are actively working with local authorities to implement lighting regulations that protect the nighttime environment, ensuring that people like Maya Howitt and her family can continue to experience the magic of stargazing.

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