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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Earth Day
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The (Inca) empire strikes back
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Siblings Day
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Splügen Pass, Switzerland
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Sunny day, sweepin the clouds away
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Don’t look down
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Remembering Krakatoa
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Bridge over the River Tara
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A winter wonderland in Northeast China
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Montreux, Switzerland, and all that jazz
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Southern lights for Antarctica Day
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Old Rock Day
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Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
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Bow Bridge in Central Park, New York City
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National Park Week: Everglades National Park
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Happy World Photography Day!
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A unique perspective from Italy’s ‘golden sands’
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The aftermath of a meteorite
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Land of the midnight sun
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Venice s grand regatta
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Fall comes to the Last Frontier
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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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Sand dunes in the Sahara, Algeria
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American bison, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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A river runs through rice fields
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Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, Italy
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The party’s just starting
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J.R.R. Tolkien Day
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Infant Sumatran orangutan, Indonesia
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Westerheversand Lighthouse