Governor Maura Healey has declared April 21-28 “Dark-Sky Week” in Massachusetts to draw attention both to the issues of light pollution in our Commonwealth and to the solutions for dealing with it. Her proclamation recognizes the efforts of DarkSky Massachusetts to raise awareness of light pollution and to encourage the protection and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting.

Click here to view/download Gov. Healey’s proclamation.

Massachusetts joins more than 100 other states and governments in the U.S. and worldwide that are issuing International Dark Sky Week proclamations.

DarkSky MA’s Kelly Beatty (at left) and Rep. Sean Garballey with Gov. Healey’s proclamation for Dark-Sky Week. Rep. Garballey is a key sponsor of the proposed outdoor-lighting legislation now awaiting action in the Legislature.

The idea for this celestial celebration began in 2002, when 15-year old Jennifer Barlow introduced the idea in her hometown of Midlothian, Virginia. One year later, DarkSky International embraced the concept and promoted “Dark Sky Week” across the U.S, later expanding it to a worldwide celebration that encourages everyone to get acquainted or re-acquainted with the nighttime sky.

In addition to the statewide proclamation, officials in Northampton and Nantucket have announced their support of International Dark-Sky Week as well. And on April 22nd the Northampton Night Fest 2025 was a big hit. “The mayor read her IDSW proclamation, we announced the submission of Historic Northampton’s application for Urban Night Sky Place certification, and five Smith students helped with stargazing with telescopes,” says James Lowenthal, DarkSky MA’s president.

During IDSW, Lowenthal encourages all members of DarkSky MA to get outside with friends and family to observe the night sky with Globe at Night. This citizen-science project requires no equipment or experience, yet its results have been used by researchers to track the growth of light pollution worldwide.