The skies around Fairfax County will go dark for one hour on Saturday night, thanks to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Lights Out Fairfax initiative. This event, which runs from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., asks residents to switch off all outdoor lights to reduce light pollution in the area, clearing the way for a better view of the night sky.
“As our region has expanded, excessive light pollution has dimmed the night sky, impacting both our environment and our connection to the natural world,” FCPA said in a news release.
Light pollution is what happens when excessive light at night illuminates the sky — it causes a phenomenon called “sky glow” that obstructs humans’ sight of the stars.
Excessive light pollution can confuse migrating birds, negatively impact sleep patterns in humans, and disrupt life cycles of trees and plants, according to FCPA.
To take part in the initiative to see a darker sky on Saturday, enlist friends and neighbors to participate in the dark hour. The more people switch off their lights, the darker the sky will be. It may take up to 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to see the stars, FCPA said.
Residents can also review the county’s outdoor lighting standards to ensure their lights are not contributing to unnecessary light pollution.
This event is the prelude to International Dark Sky Week, which takes place April 2 to 8. During the week, the parks authority will encourage people to learn more about what light pollution is and how it can have an impact on humans, animals, and the environment.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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