DarkSky Michigan is a community-based organization focused on preserving our night skies. Our goal is to bring together all of the efforts to reduce light pollution in our State and have a place where we can be inspired and work together on night sky conservation.
What We Can Do For You:
- Be a general resource for all dark sky conservationists and projects in our State.
- Help townships develop lighting ordinances and educate the businesses and general public on lighting solutions to keep down light pollution.
- Speak at events across the State to educate the general public on the effects of light pollution from wildlife migrations to crime and safety.
- We can guide you through the process of becoming a Dark Sky Place.
- Work with Local and State Governments to recognize the importance of keeping our skies dark.
If you are looking for Michigan Dark Skies, you can visit their site at the University of Michigan here
NEWS - Beaver Island, Michigan
DarkSky International has formally recognized the Michigan State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It will be known as the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary (the “Sanctuary”). It’s an important achievement as it is Michigan’s first certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the sanctuary is recognized within the core area of the UNESCO Obtawaing Biosphere.
Our Mission - Combat Light Pollution
Less than 100 years ago, everyone could look up and see a spectacular starry night sky. Now, millions of children across the globe will never experience the Milky Way where they live. The increased and widespread use of artificial light at night is not only impairing our view of the universe, it is adversely affecting our environment, our safety, our energy consumption and our health.
Dark Sky Places
Are you thinking of applying to become a Dark Sky Place?
We can help guide you through that process.
The award-winning International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program was founded in 2001 to encourage communities, parks and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
There are currently 5 designations:
- International Dark Sky Communities
Communities are legally organized cities and
Become a Citizen-Scientist
Globe at Night is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure & submit their night sky brightness observations. It's easy to get involved - all you need is computer or smart phone.
Learn More
towns that adopt quality outdoor lighting ordinances and undertake efforts to educate residents about the importance of dark skies. - International Dark Sky Parks
Parks are publicly- or privately-owned spaces protected for natural conservation that implement good outdoor lighting and provide dark sky programs for visitors. - International Dark Sky Reserves
Reserves consist of a dark “core” zone surrounded by a populated periphery where policy controls are enacted to protect the darkness of the core. - International Dark Sky Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries are the most remote (and often darkest) places in the world whose conservation state is most fragile. - Urban Night Sky Places
UNSPs are sites near or surrounded by large urban environs whose planning and design actively promote an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of significant artificial light at night, and that otherwise do not qualify for designation within any other International Dark Sky Places category.
Join The Dark Sky International
Become a member of DarkSky International and you will receive the latest news from around the world on efforts to create Dark Sky Places and combat light pollution.
Become a Citizen-Scientist
Globe at Night is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure & submit their night sky brightness observations. It's easy to get involved - all you need is computer or smart phone.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team! Subscribe to our email list.
Fundraising Apparel
Your purchase of shirts and other items through our Bonfire fundraising store will enable us to support our mission and cover basic admin costs like web hosting, speaking engagements and events. Stay tuned for local artisan designs!
Our Collaborations
Night Sky Heritage
Did you know that 85% of people in the United States have never seen the Milky Way? We want to change that!
Experiencing the night sky provides perspective, inspiration, and leads us to reflect on our humanity and place in the universe. The history of scientific discovery and even human curiosity itself is indebted to the natural night sky.