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PROCLAMATION 

International Dark Sky Week By the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council April 2, 2024 through April 8, 2024 

WHEREAS, the aesthetic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky is a shared heritage of all humankind; and 

WHEREAS, the experience of standing beneath a starry night sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, and encourages a growing interest in science and nature, especially among young people and out-of- area visitors within the local communities; and 

WHEREAS, light pollution has scientifically established economic and environmental detrimental consequences with significant impacts on the ecology and human health of all communities; and 

WHEREAS, 80 percent of the world’s population lives under a dome of light pollution—excessive artificial lighting at night that disrupts natural darkness—and may never experience the visual wonder or ecological and health benefits of living under a dark sky; and 

WHEREAS, light pollution represents a waste of natural resources amounting to roughly $3 billion per year of wasted energy in the United States and contributes to diminished energy security; and 

WHEREAS, Arizona hosts 10% of the world’s largest telescopes—including the world’s largest optical telescope—and many of the world’s most revered observatories, including the Lowell Observatory, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory/Whipple Observatory, the Smithsonian/University of Arizona’s MMT and Large Binocular Telescope Observatories, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the Vatican Observatory; and 

WHEREAS, Southern Arizona hosts an enormous number of amateur observatories, many of which produce professional research; and 

WHEREAS, Southern Arizona draws thousands of visitors annually who are attracted in significant part by our dark night skies; and 

WHEREAS, optical astronomy—which is both hindered and endangered by unfettered light pollution— represents a statewide capital investment of more than $1.3 billion and an annual economic return of over $250 million, including an indirect attachment to more than 150,000 jobs through the aerospace and defense sector; and 

WHEREAS, Southern Arizona is home to dozens of nocturnal wildlife species—including bats and jaguars— and these species rely on undisturbed night environments to hunt, mate, and thrive; and 

WHEREAS, Dark Sky International, headquartered in Arizona, is the globally recognized authority on light pollution and has created International Dark Sky Week to raise awareness of light pollution, and provide free education, resources, and solutions to the public to encourage the protection of and enjoyment of dark skies  and responsible outdoor lighting. 

Now, Therefore, I, Mary Vanis, President of the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council, Arizona do hereby declare April 2-8, 2024 as 

“INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK” 

In Santa Cruz County, Arizona, and ask each resident to join me not only in observing and pondering upon this important week, but also in raising awareness and support for protecting our precious dark sky resources. 

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council Proclaims April 2-8, 2024 as International Dark Sky Week

Tubac, AZ - March 27, 2024 - Today, the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council proudly

announces the proclamation of April 2-8, 2024, as International Dark Sky Week in Santa

Cruz County, Arizona. This declaration underscores the importance of preserving our

natural night skies and raising awareness about the adverse effects of light pollution on

our environment and communities.

The proclamation, passed and adopted today by the Santa Cruz County Board of

Supervisors, which include Manuel Ruiz, Bruce Bracker, and Rudy Molera, emphasizes the

intrinsic beauty and wonder of a natural night sky as a shared heritage of humankind.

Mary Vanis, President of the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council, stresses the significance of

protecting our dark sky resources, stating, "Preserving our dark sky in the Amado to Tubac

to Tumacácori area is crucial not only for our enjoyment, but also for the well-being of our

ecosystem. By reducing light pollution, we can safeguard the beauty and ecological

balance of our region for generations to come."

International Dark Sky Week aims to educate the public about the harmful effects of light

pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting practices. As part of this week-long

event, residents are encouraged to learn more about preserving the importance of our

dark sky.

The proclamation acknowledges the economic and environmental consequences of light

pollution, citing its detrimental impact on wildlife habitats and its waste of natural

resources. It also highlights Arizona's significant role in hosting world-renowned

observatories and the importance of protecting our dark sky for scientific research and

tourism.

Residents of Santa Cruz County are urged to join the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council in

observing International Dark Sky Week. Together, let us raise awareness and support for

the protection of our precious dark sky resources.

For more information about International Dark Sky Week and how to participate, visit

https://idsw.darksky.org/about_darksky. 

About Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council:

The Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council is a non-profit Arizona corporation dedicated to

informing and educating its members about local and regional issues affecting the

community. The Council advocates for members' views on these issues, working to shape

the character and future of Santa Cruz County.

Contact:

Dr. Mary I. Vanis, Ed. D.

President

Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council

(602) 531-6253

A  group of simulations illustrating the Pocket Park the County will construct just to the south of the main entrance to the Village.  This is an exciting project that will provide a pleasant public space right in town.  Funds for building are available.  The County has to work out some property issues with ADOT but does not expect that to be difficult.  Community Development Director Frank Dillon and the project Engineer Rick Scalise made a presentation on the project to those present and answered questions.  Stay tuned!