Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Maricopa Encourages Businesses and Residents to Turn Off Lights for Dark Sky Week

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At the Maricopa City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Nancy Smith announced a Dark Sky proclamation in honor of International Dark Sky Week, inviting residents to turn off indoor and outdoor lights for 30 minutes to appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Vice Mayor Amber Liermann encouraged families to participate in the “Dark Sky Lights Out” event, which will take place from 8:30 to 9 p.m. on April 24, alongside a similar initiative by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors. The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the issues of light pollution—estimated to waste $3 billion in energy annually—and its detrimental effects on human health and wildlife. Arizona, home to numerous observatories, plays a crucial role in dark sky protections, emphasizing both scientific and cultural significance in preserving the natural nightscape. For more details on how to join the initiative, residents can visit Pinal County’s dedicated website.

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