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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We did not invent this, honest
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Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco
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Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
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A tower of remembrance
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World Art Day
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Pollinator Week
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National Trails Day
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World Lion Day
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Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
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International Surfing Day
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Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
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A willowy welcome to spring
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A legend and a legendary home
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The Cutty Sark turns 150
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China s colorful terraced pools
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The first ascent
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A polar bear near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
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Sea fireflies at the seashore
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A great white egret in Hungary
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Polar Bear Week
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Salt ponds of Maras, Peru
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Swinging into International Jazz Day
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Womens History Month
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World-class art comes to Arkansas
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Talk like a pirate—or walk the plank
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Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
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Manhattan
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The cycle begins anew
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Freeloaders of the avian world
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Last stop before leaving the solar system
Bing Wallpaper Gallery


