Dark Sky Community Certification

Becoming Dark Sky Community

A DSI Dark Sky Community is a town, city, municipality or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to preserving the night sky through implementing and enforcing a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education, and citizenry support of dark skies. Dark Sky Communities excel in promoting responsible lighting and stewardship of dark sky, and set good examples for surrounding communities.

DarkSky International

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We need your help! Here’s an overview of how to get involved.

Connect with Us

Linda Dexter

Dark Sky Community Certification Coordinator

Feeling social? Share your love of the night sky! #rlht #darkskymaine #darksky #nightsky #astrophotography #milkyway

Complete a Home Inventory

Follow the guide and use the inventory sheet to inventory your home lighting. See if the lighting you currently have at your residence is by IDA!

We’re here to help with questions and resources!

Why Your Lighting Matters

This quick video shows you the power of a shield.

Are your outdoor lights on too often, too bright, or do they overlight your property? Learn the Five Principles of Outdoor Lighting.

Keep Learning... Watch These Documentaries

Losing the Dark

Illuminate the issues regarding light pollution and learn three simple actions you can take.

Saving the Dark

Explore the need to preserve night skies and what you can do to combat light pollution.

Defending the Dark

Follow the preservation of dark sky areas in the north Maine woods.

Take the Pledge ✨

Small changes made by many people make a real difference.

Pledge

I pledge to turn off outdoor lighting when I am not actively using it and set aside time to appreciate the night sky. I will continue to learn about light pollution and how to combat it and share what I’ve learned.

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Physical Address

Mailing Address

Certified International Dark Sky Places

Dark Sky Places

Countries worldwide

Dark Sky Places in Maine

Lend a Hand with Surveys

We’ll need to conduct surveys in our community. Sign up to help out!

The night sky is our common and universal heritage, yet it’s rapidly becoming unknown to the newest generations.

DarkSky International

The sky grew darker, painted blue on blue, one stroke at a time, into deeper and deeper shades of night.

Haruki MurakamiDance, Dance, Dance

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.

DarkSky International

There is stardust in your veins. We are literally, ultimately children of the stars.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell

Share your love of the night sky! #rlht #darkskymaine #IDSW2023 #DarkSkyWeek #DiscoverTheNight