Dear DarkSky San Diego County Supporters,

Operations for the DarkSky San Diego County Chapter have been temporarily paused while we focus on restructuring and regrowth.

During this transition, we will be listed in DarkSky’s global directory as the Emerging Advocate Community in San Diego County, with our team operating strictly as individual DarkSky Advocates. If you are looking for an active DarkSky Chapter, please visit the global Chapter directory (https://darksky.org/who-we-are/chapters/) to find the group nearest you.

We warmly invite all dark sky enthusiasts to stay involved! You can become a DarkSky Advocate (https://darksky.org/who-we-are/advocates/) and/or email engagement@darksky.org to join the Emerging Advocate Community in San Diego County and help shape what comes next for our local night skies.

Thank you for your continued dedication to protecting the night!”

Annual Events

International Dark Sky Week is an annual celebration of our night sky! The 2026 celebration took place from April 13th-20th. See our 2026 IDSW Event Page to review the festivities held across San Diego County.

The San Diego Dark Sky Festival is held in celebration of the Perseid meteor shower. The 2026 festival is being hosted by the Julian Dark Sky Network.

DarkSky San Diego County

Protecting the Night, One Community at a Time

San Diego is known for its breathtaking coastlines, vibrant communities, and, when we preserve it, our spectacular night sky. DarkSky San Diego County, a volunteer chapter of DarkSky International, is dedicated to reducing light pollution and promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices throughout our region. Our mission is to help communities, organizations, and individuals rediscover the wonder of the natural night while protecting wildlife, improving human health, and saving energy.

Why Dark Skies Matter

Light pollution is the human made alteration of outdoor lighting that disrupts natural darkness. Artificial light at night interferes with the natural rhythms of life. It affects plant growth, confuses wildlife, and impacts human health and sleep. All living things people, animals, and plants depend on natural darkness to thrive.

By reducing excess light, we restore balance to our environment, protect biodiversity, and reconnect with the natural world.

 Learn more about light pollution and its impacts:

• What is light pollution? 
• Wildlife and ecosystems  
• Human health 
• Energy and climate change 
• Crime and safety 
• Night sky heritage 

Light Wisely with the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting

At the heart of our work are the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting, recognized worldwide as the standard for protecting dark skies. Simply put, light pollution is bad lighting and we can fix that with good lighting. Dark Sky Approved Luminaires are available to help you make smart lighting choices. Every light matters.

 Responsible outdoor lighting is:

• Useful – Use light only when and where it is needed.
• Targeted  – Shield and direct light so it falls only where it is needed.
• Low Light Levels  – Use the minimum amount of light required.
• Controlled  – Install timers, motion sensors, and dimmers to reduce unnecessary lighting.
• Color  – Choose warmer colored lights that minimize blue light emissions.

Following these principles reduces glare, improves nighttime visibility, saves energy, protects human health and nocturnal wildlife, and preserves our shared view of the stars for generations to come.

San Diego’s Dark Sky Movement Is Growing

Across San Diego County, a vibrant dark sky movement is taking shape. Our region is home to California’s first two International Dark Sky Communities Borrego Springs and Julian both recognized by DarkSky International for their outstanding commitment to preserving the night.

Other communities and places are now following their lead to obtain International Dark Sky Place certification:

• Fallbrook is working toward International Dark Sky Community certification, led by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy Dark Sky Committee.
• The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation is pursuing California’s first Urban Night Sky Place designation.
• An International Dark Sky Park application is underway for the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, which would join Anza Borrego Desert State Park as a protected haven for stargazing and natural darkness.
• And Valley Center will soon be submitting their International Dark Sky Community pre-application.

Together, these efforts demonstrate how local leadership can have a global impact. We are building a network of communities committed to protecting the night for wildlife, for future generations, and for the simple joy of seeing the stars.

Join Us There Are Many Ways to Help

DarkSky San Diego County is powered by passionate volunteers who believe in the beauty and importance of the night sky. Whether you are a student, educator, community advocate, or simply someone who loves stargazing, there are many ways to get involved.

Volunteer – Support outreach and education efforts, community events, or local lighting assessments.

Partner With Us – Invite us to present to your organization, business, school, or homeowners association.

Take Action at Home

• Certify Your Home  – Assess your lighting, make simple improvements, then certify your home as Dark Sky Friendly. 
• Speak With Your Landlord or HOA – Start a conversation about improving the lighting at your apartment building or within your Home Owner’s Association.
• Light Wisely – Apply the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting to your home and neighborhood.

Learn and Share 

• Download Educational Materials – Access DarkSky’s pamphlets, postcards, and FAQs as well as materials for educators. 
• Lights Out, San Diego! – We partner with San Diego Bird Alliance to protect birds migrating on the Pacific Flyway. Pledge to turn lights off from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. during bird migration season. Learn more and take the pledge!   
• Spread the Word – Encourage friends and neighbors to adopt dark sky friendly lighting.

Together, we can make San Diego County a leader in night sky preservation and sustainable lighting!