Milky way over the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in New Mexico, USA

Hoodoos and the Milky Way. Dark skies over New Mexico, USA

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—because the stars shine more brightly with no visible moon—to bring attention to the effects of artificial light on the natural world. 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 turtles. So, turn out those lights, look up, and be amazed at the sky that your great-great grandparents saw.