“I am a local amateur Astrophotographer in Reno Nevada. It is becoming more difficult every year to compose my images. Captures which consist of hours and hours of exposure time (some even over 100 hours!). The reason is because of local light pollution! This is not just from the city and big businesses, but from neighbors. Please share this message along with a couple of my deep sky captures I have made, right here in local 775 Reno.
Preserving Nevada’s Dark Skies: A Community Call to Action
Did you know that Nevada is home to some of the most breathtaking night skies in the country? From the shimmering Milky Way over Massacre Rim to the star-studded views in Great Basin National Park, our state offers rare glimpses into the cosmos—but these views are under threat.
As urban sprawl continues and outdoor lighting grows unchecked, light pollution is erasing our stars. In fact, over 80% of Nevadans now live under skies too bright to see the Milky Way
. This not only affects our connection to nature, but also harms wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and wastes billions in energy annually.
Why It Matters:
Astronomers and scientists rely on dark skies for research and discovery. Light pollution interferes with telescope observations and satellite tracking.
Artists and amateur astrophotographers struggle to capture deep sky images. Even modest light pollution can wash out galaxies and nebulae from view.
Wildlife and ecosystems suffer. Migratory birds, insects, and nocturnal animals are disoriented by artificial light, leading to population declines
2
.
Local Efforts & Resources:
The Nevada Starry Skies Certification Program, led by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, helps communities reduce light pollution through education, ordinances, and lighting policies. Learn more and get involved: ndor.nv.gov/dark-skies.
The Northern Nevada Astronomical Society (ASN) hosts public stargazing events and educational programs. Join them to explore the universe and learn how you can help protect our skies: astronomynv.org.
What You Can Do:
Use shielded outdoor lighting to prevent light from spilling into the sky.
Switch to warmer-colored bulbs and avoid bright white LEDs.
Turn off unnecessary lights, especially during late-night hours.
Support local ordinances that promote dark sky-friendly lighting.
Together, we can preserve Nevada’s night skies for future generations to enjoy, study, and photograph. Let’s keep the stars shining bright above us!
#DarkSkiesNevada #LightPollutionAwareness #Astrophotography #Stargazing #NorthernNevadaAstronomy #PreserveTheNight”
Citizen’s Forum Contribution and Photos shared with Our Town Reno by J Hayton