Office for Astronomy Outreach

This image illustrates the Bortle scale, which measures the impact of light pollution on the dark skies at a given location. Credit: ESO/P. Horálek, M. Wallner

Dark and Quiet Skies

Dark and Quiet Skies


Dark and Quiet Skies is a global theme that raises awareness about the urgent need to preserve our night skies, both dark and quiet. While these two elements are closely connected, they represent different challenges.

Protecting dark skies means reducing artificial light at night across the electromagnetic spectrum through public policy, legal frameworks, community activism, and education. More recently, dark sky protection has also included the protection of the night sky from optical and infrared impacts (such as trails seen in images) resulting from the growing number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit.

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Gallery: Dark and Quiet Skies

In this image, taken by ESO Photo Ambassador Yuri Beletsky, the control building at the Paranal Observatory can be seen below a rising Milky Way, like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of a celestial rainbow.
Starlink Generation 2 satellites constellation Credit: ESO
The soft glow of the Milky Way pours down like a waterfall over the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory. 2635 metres above sea level, the VST has an unparallelled view of the magnificently clear skies above Chile’s Atacama Desert. It is the largest telescope in the world dedicated to observational surveys in visible light, and it contributes to a vast range of studies, from discovering remote Solar System bodies to searching for exoplanet transits, to studying the structure and evolution of our galax.
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Main focus

By preserving our quiet skies, we guard against the negative impact of satellite constellations on ground-based optical and radio astronomy. This is the main focus of our partner, the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS).


Through this initiative, we invite everyone to learn about the cultural, environmental, and scientific importance of dark and quiet skies—not only for astronomy, but for human well-being and the health of ecosystems.

This image illustrates the Bortle scale, which measures the impact of light pollution on the dark skies at a given location. It shows, from left to right, the increase in the number of stars visible in excellent dark sky conditions compared with cities
This image illustrates the Bortle scale, which measures the impact of light pollution on the dark skies at a given location. Credit: ESO/P. Horálek, M. Wallner

Panel Discussion

Protecting Our Dark Skies – Involving policy makers in the defence of the night sky

This event is the first in a series of discussions focused on engaging with policymakers to protect the night sky. Bringing together experts in astronomy, environmental policy, and public advocacy, the panel will explore how dark and quiet skies can be preserved through effective, collaborative action. As light pollution and satellite interference continue to increase, this conversation aims to highlight the cultural, ecological, and scientific value of the night—and the policy solutions that can safeguard it for future generations.

Join us in protecting the night sky for science, for nature, and for future generations.

Banishing light pollution. Credit:ESO/P. Horálek

Dark and Quiet Skies 2026: Celebrating 20 Years of Globe at Night

The Dark and Quiet Skies 2026 campaign is a global science communication and citizen engagement initiative marking the 20th anniversary of Globe at Night, one of the world’s largest citizen-science programs monitoring light pollution. In partnership with CPS and Globe at Night, the campaign will mobilise communities worldwide to reconnect with the night sky through astrophotography, storytelling, and citizen science while raising awareness about the scientific, environmental, cultural, and societal impacts of light pollution.

Timeline and Activities

Phase 1 – Capacity Building and Public Participation (June–July 2026)
The campaign will begin in June 2026 with a Global Astrophotography Training Session, 16 and 18th June, introducing participants, including students, educators, amateur astronomers, and the general public, to techniques for photographing the night sky, even in light-polluted environments, using smartphones or simple equipment.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SsmrbDSfR_id1zGoTQ-O4g 

Following the training, a global astrophotography and storytelling campaign will run from June to July 2026. Participants will be invited to photograph the Moon or night sky from their local environments and record their personal reflections on the experience—capturing feelings of wonder, connection, and curiosity. Participants will also create 1–2 minute video testimonials describing their images and explaining why the night sky matters to them. This combination of visual science and personal storytelling will highlight the emotional, cultural, and tourism value of dark skies while encouraging global engagement.

Phase 2 – Global Astrophotography Parade and Scientific Dialogue (23 July 2026)
The campaign will culminate in a global online webinar on 23 July 2026, titled the Astrophotography Parade. This event will showcase participant images and videos from around the world and feature expert presentations on:

  • The 20-year history and impact of Globe at Night

  • The scientific challenges light pollution creates for astronomical observation and asteroid monitoring

  • Environmental impacts on ecosystems and wildlife

  • Economic and cultural benefits of dark skies, including astro-tourism

  • The role of science communication in preventing misinformation and strengthening public trust in science

By combining scientific perspectives with participants' experiences, the event will create a shared narrative about the importance of protecting dark skies.

Phase 3 – Global Amplification and Legacy (August–September 2026)
From August to September 2026, the campaign will transition into a digital amplification phase, during which astrophotography images and participant videos will be promoted through global networks and social media channels. This phase will expand the campaign’s reach beyond direct participants, create long-term educational resources, and strengthen advocacy for dark-sky protection worldwide.

Main activities and events Dark and Quiet Skies

WORKSHOP Amateur Astrophotography; Modern Tools & Tips for Night-Sky-Enthusiasts

WORKSHOP Amateur Astrophotography; Modern Tools & Tips for Night-Sky-Enthusiasts

Digital cameras single-handedly enabled the explosion of amateur astrophotography in the last few decades. Furthermore, recent sophistication and affordability of dedicated hardware and software systems have driven night-sky-imaging capabilities to extraordinary levels. This webinar will start with the basics about imaging at night, introducing critical camera settings, lenses, celestial coordinate systems, polar alignment and related astrophotography considerations. The use of smartphones, mirrorless cameras, telescopes and dedicated deep-sky-imaging equipment will be discussed. Highlighted will be the new inexpensive smart-telescopes requiring literally no experience to high-end systems capable of photographing the Milky Way, galaxies, nebulae, stars, planets and other celestial objects. The presenter is a retired biotech scientist turned amateur astrophotographer who has over 500 hours of dark-sky imaging experience with multiple telescope systems. He also publishes a popular YouTube channel called “Astrophotography Japan” and teaches space science to school children in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaker: Paul E. Cizdziel, Ph.D. June 15 - 11 PM - UTC
June 16 - 11 AM - UTC
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pzEZUw_sKA4?si=90tWIHpxxRPVjWsN
WORKSHOP Smartphone astrophotography

WORKSHOP Smartphone astrophotography

You can capture the wonders of the universe with just a camera in hand. This mobile astrophotography course will teach you how to use your phone and adjust proper settings to photograph spectacular celestial phenomena such as the Milky Way, meteors, auroras and the moon.

Speaker: Jeff Dai June 17 - 11 PM - UTC

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eeB3x_SE2Ro?si=rl7oGI3zi4_bXX-5
WORKSHOP Astronomical photography with a smartphone

WORKSHOP Astronomical photography with a smartphone

The lecture / workshop focuses on astronomical photography using a smartphone.
We will start by saying that even shooting a sunrise or sunset is actually astronomical photography. We will explain the various components of photography - exposure, duration, and sensor sensitivity.
What are the most essential things for sky photography, stabilizing the phone for the duration of the photo and the ability to have as long an exposure as possible.
We will also learn about the limitations and obstacles we face when using a phone to photograph the sky and how to overcome them.
We will learn about tools - applications for processing images on the phone and see how to improve the photos to spectacular results.

Speaker: Eden Orion June 18 - 11 AM - UTC

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SsmrbDSfR_id1zGoTQ-O4g

Plan your own Dark and Quiet skies event

  • Planning your own event on light pollution abatement and dark sky protection?
  • Download our set of graphics
  • Maybe you’re planning a star party for the people in your neighbourhood or a mobile planetarium show with a local astronomy club.
  • Whatever your plans are, share them with us in our Events Calendar and become a part of the OAO community!
  • Register your event and be part of our international astronomy community.
Poster-Download our graphics

Global astrophotography and storytelling campaign 2026

How to participate

Join the Dark Skies Astrophotography & Storytelling Campaign by sharing your view of the night sky and the story behind it. Participation is simple and open to everyone, including beginners using smartphones or simple cameras.

  • Step 1: Take a photo. Photograph the Moon, stars, planets, Milky Way, or night sky from your local environment.
  • Step 2: Write a reflection. Share a short personal reflection about your image, your experience, and why dark skies matter to you.
  • Step 3: Record a short video. You may also submit a 1–2 minute video testimonial describing your image and your connection to the night sky.



Program: Globe@Night Citizen Science Campaign

The IAU OAO proudly endorses the monthly Globe@Night citizen science campaign. This project gathers data from volunteer observers to track the impact of light pollution over time. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to this campaign. All you need is your eyes and an internet connection.

Start and end dates for each monthly observing period will be shared on the IAU OAO Facebook.

Program: Globe at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (GaN-MN)

Globe at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (GaN-MN) is a special project that extends the Globe at Night project through a global network of commercially-available sky-brightness meters for long-term monitoring of light pollution. The project is conducted in partnership with the University of Hong Kong.

More Information

All events must respect the general guidelines of the IAU Global Project and Themes, which promote the key role of astronomy for the betterment of science and society through collaboration and with a spirit of respect, tolerance, and peace.

If you need to change your events already on the calendar, please email the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach Team via public@...Click to show with the subject line “Dark and Quiet Skies Calendar 2026 - Update”.If you cannot submit through this form, please email the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach team via public@...Click to show with the subject line “Dark and Quiet Skies Calendar 2026 - Update”.