The Fairfax County Park Authority is encouraging participation in the annual One Dark Hour event on March 25.
Dark skies are the natural state of nature. Over the years, as the local region has grown and become more urban, excessive light pollution has eliminated clear views of “starscapes” and negatively affected natural resources and wildlife, which are vital to a healthy ecosystem, including clean air and water, park officials said.
They added:
To participate in One Dark Hour, simply turn off your outdoor lights on March 25 between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Feel free to get your family, friends and neighbors involved. This is a powerful way of connecting with the natural world and its beauty.
While the lights are out, look up at the sky and see what you might have been missing. It takes up to 15 minutes for one’s eyes to become adapted to the dark after looking at the glare of a light, so be patient and wait for the stars to appear. You may also consider visiting Observatory Park at Turner Farm for its free Friday viewing and observance of One Dark Hour.
To learn more about the One Dark Hour and the Dark Skies initiative, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/topics/dark-skies. The site has information about light pollution and changes people can make to focus light when and where it is needed.
Observatory Park at Turner Farm is located at 925 Springvale Road in Great Falls. For more information, call (703) 759-9018 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.
