Throughout the Texas Hill Country towns and counties have declared October to be “Hill Country Night Sky” month by signing a proclamation.
The purpose of this proclamation is to bring awareness to ongoing effort to protect the night sky from light pollution. The proclamation encourages citizens to work towards light pollution abatement and take some time to enjoy the night. Blanco County Judge, Brett Bray, signed the proclamation in late September declaring October as “Hill Country Night Sky Month” in Blanco County. Judge Bray was very complimentary of Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky (BCFNS) for their work in the county. Barbara Hudson, BCFNS Secretary, thanked the Court for their support.
Mayor Stephanie Fisher, with the support of the Council, signed a similar version of the proclamation for Johnson City (adapted for the city) at the October 2nd City Council meeting.
Hill Country Night Sky Month is all about sharing with people how they can have both safe outdoor lighting and preserve our beautiful night sky, our heritage.
One statement in the Johnson City Proclamation declares that “solving the problem of light pollution involves making better use of outdoor lighting to direct light down to where it is needed instead of upward into the sky, putting outdoor lights on timers, and using outdoor lighting only where necessary.”
The proclamation also states that “the experience of standing beneath a starfilled sky inspires feelings of wonder and awe, and may encourage interest in science and nature, especially among young people.”
To read the entire county proclamation go to: www. blancocountynightsky.org/ ordinances.php then scroll down to the Blanco County section.
While you are on the website take some time to check out the wealth of information that is provided.
