Milky Way over Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, United States

After the lights go down. International Dark Sky Week

When the lights go down, the universe puts on a show. International Dark Sky Week, celebrated each April, invites everyone to rediscover the night and learn why darkness is worth protecting. Launched in 2003, the week highlights how excessive artificial light affects wildlife, human health, energy use and our ability to see the stars. Fewer lights don't mean less safety—smart, well-designed lighting can do both.

The image of the Milky Way glowing above Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, United States, captures this idea perfectly. As California's largest state park and an officially designated International Dark-Sky Park, Anza-Borrego offers some of the best stargazing in the country. On a clear night, the sky fills with planets, star clusters and the bright band of our home galaxy—views that have vanished from many urban areas.

International Dark Sky Week encourages simple actions, from shielding porch lights to joining a local star party. Look up, get curious and help keep nights naturally brilliant.