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, when stars shine more brightly because the moon isn’t visible. The event was created to bring attention to the harmful effects of artificial light on the natural world, and to remind us of the beauty of an unadulterated night sky. 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 sea turtles. So, turn out those lights, look up, and be amazed at the sky that your great-great-grandparents saw.
Dark skies over New Mexico
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The birthplace of a classic Christmas carol
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Llama Day
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Boxing Day—a shopper’s delight
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Ancient theater of Epidaurus, Greece
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Beyond Walls for World Refugee Day
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A cliffside harbor in Sardinia
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Trullo buildings in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
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Winter in England s Cotswolds
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Tolkien Reading Day
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Two rocks and a heart spot
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San Francisco Bay salt flats
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Autumnal equinox
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Chilling out in the Arctic
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International Tiger Day
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South Padre Island, Texas
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30 years after Exxon Valdez
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Splügen Pass, Switzerland
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Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
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The largest living organism on Earth
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Whanganui National Park, Retaruke, New Zealand
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Porto Flavia, Sardinia, Italy
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Halloween
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Fin whales: A success story
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1934 Labor Day parade, Gastonia, North Carolina
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Assembling the Smithsonian
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Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
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Male kori bustard, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
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The Guggenheim Bilbao turns 25
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

