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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Zelenci Nature Reserve, Slovenia
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A giant relic in Java
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Cloughoughter Castle, County Cavan, Ireland
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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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Songkran—Thai New Year
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Best fronds forever
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A Portuguese fort takes a star turn
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World Whale Day
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Of balloons and lost pantaloons
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New beginnings
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A cliffside harbor in Sardinia
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Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
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Milky Way over Zabriskie Point, California
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Green fields of grain
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Eastern grey kangaroos in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park
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All is silent for Big Ben’s musical milestone
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A species worth defending
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US Coast Guard: Protecting us for 105 years
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Happy Birthday, J.R.R. Tolkien!
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Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia
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Plate ice along Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minnesota
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International Day of the Snow Leopard
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A wonderland in winter
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Go Fly a Kite Day
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International Museum Day
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Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
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Happy birthday to Crater Lake National Park
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Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
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A crane for good luck in today’s big game
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

