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.
• 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 and make simple improvements, then certify your home as Dark Sky Friendly. 
• Talk With Your Landlord or HOA  – Start a conversation about improving property lighting.
• Light Wisely Apply the Five Principles to your home and neighborhood.

Learn and Share 

• Download Educational Materials  – Access DarkSky outreach tools and FAQs. 
• Lights Out, San Diego!  – Pledge to turn lights off from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. during bird migration season. Learn more.   
• 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!