National Dark-Sky Week

The National Week of the dark sky (English: National Dark -Sky Week, NMSS ) is a week in which throughout the United States, the light is turned off to contemplate the beauty of the night sky without light pollution. This event was introduced and experienced from year to year growing involvement in 2003 by Jennifer Barlow of Midlothian, Virginia. It is endorsed by the International Dark - Sky Association, the American Astronomical Society and the Astronomical League.

The event always takes place in the new moon week in April, when the sky is as dark as possible and then prevail best viewing conditions.

Barlow explained: " - without an excessive amount of light - My wish is that people can see the night sky in all its glory is to have seen him as our ancestors hundreds of years ago "

The objectives of the events are a temporary reduction of light pollution and to create awareness for their impact on the night sky, to suggest the use of better lighting system, which are directed downwards, instead of in the sky and the promotion of astronomy studies.

Jennifer Barlow stated, " The night sky is a gift of such overwhelming beauty that should not be hidden under a layer of wasted light. It should be visible, so that future generations do not lose the reference to the wonders of our universe. "

Dates

The NMSS 2009 took place from 20 to 26 April.