We’re celebrating International Dark-Sky Week with an image from a corner of New Mexico that’s one of the best places to stargaze in the continental United States. Dark-Sky Week is observed during the first new moon of April, when stars shine more brightly because the moon isn’t visible. The event was created to bring attention to the harmful effects of artificial light on the natural world, and to remind us of the beauty of an unadulterated night sky. Light pollution not only impacts our ability to see the stars and to sleep soundly, but also creates challenges for many nocturnal species, migrating birds, and even baby sea turtles. So, turn out those lights, look up, and be amazed at the sky that your great-great-grandparents saw.
Dark skies over New Mexico
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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A red knot on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
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An oceanic valentine
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Honoring the rangers on World Ranger Day
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Grand Canyon National Park turns 105
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The Great Glen
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The Zugspitze: Germany s highest point
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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It’s surströmming time
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The frog prince?
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Dressed for winter fun
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Traveling warblers
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Napping away New Year s Day
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A fortress in the sky
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At the shore of an inland sea
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Lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France
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World Lion Day
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Winnie-the-Pooh Day
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International Day for Biodiversity
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Marine Day in Japan
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50 years of Earth Day
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New Orleans for Mardi Gras
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Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia
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World Octopus Day
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Silvereyes in South Korea
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Night of the ‘Cold Moon’
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Hoisting a flag for seafarers
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Earth seen from the International Space Station
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Birds of a feather flocking together
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Native American Heritage Month