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
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These laurels are hardy
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For the love of bikes
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Veterans Day
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Diving into World Oceans Day
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Aýna, Albacete, Spain
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Wanderin Wawayanda
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The owl that loved football
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White Sands National Park turns 90
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Till the cows come home
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20 years later
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Commemorating peace in Antarctica
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Milford Sound/Piopiotahi rainforest in New Zealand
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An unlikely friendship in the wild
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Freeze frame
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It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball
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Road to Sa Calobra, Majorca, Spain
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Almond trees in full bloom, California
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Into the woods
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Red lechwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana
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Poppies for Armistice Day
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A peek behind the royal curtain
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Honoring our veterans
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It’s oh so quiet
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Snow buntings take flight
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Red Planet Day
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A place called ‘Peace’ in India
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The dog days of summer
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Nomads of the Gobi
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Mangrove Conservation Day
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Diwali lights in Guwahati, India