RANGELEY — The Rangeley region is home to some of the best stargazing in the country. Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust and its partners are working to certify Rangeley as a Dark Sky International Community. A DSI Dark Sky Community is a town, city, municipality, or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to preserving the night sky through implementing and enforcing a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education, and citizenry support of dark skies.

International Dark Sky Week, April 21–28, is a global celebration and call to action to reconnect with the night, protect its natural beauty, and inspire change.

According to the DSI website, “The night sky is more than just a backdrop for stargazing—it’s a vital shared resource with ecological, cultural, and scientific value. Light pollution disrupts ecosystems, impacts human health, wastes energy, and robs us of the stars. Yet, it’s one of the most solvable environmental challenges.”

Small changes can have a big impact. Here is how to get involved right at home.

Take the Pledge to turn off outdoor lighting when not actively being used.

“I pledge to turn off outdoor lighting when I am not actively using it and set aside time to appreciate the night sky. I will continue to learn about light pollution and how to combat it and share what I’ve learned.”

Inventory your home lighting for dark sky compliance.

Consider these five principals for outdoor lighting: Does the light serve a clear purpose? Does the light fall only where it is needed? Is the amount of light appropriate for the intended task? Is the light connected to active controls? Is the light source warm in color?

Join a Night Sky Tour to learn more.

John Meader, owner of The Northern Stars Planetarium, will lead a virtual night sky tour beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25.  The free event is being held as part of the International Dark Skies Week celebration. Learn about constellations, galaxies, and much more! The Night Sky Tours are sponsored by Dark Skies Rangeley, a community-led effort to conserve the dark skies over the Rangeley Region. Registration is required but there is no cost to attend. FMI or to register visit the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust Facebook events page.

Submit a photo in the Night Sky Photo Contest

To celebrate International Dark Sky Week, RLHT is launching a Night Sky Photo Contest! We want to see your best captures, from northern lights sightings to the Milky Way.

How to Enter: Email your best starry night shot to ecoventure@rlht.org by Friday, April 18.

How to Win: Submissions will be showcased in a RLHT Facebook album the week of April 21. The photo with the most likes and comments wins. The winner will be featured on RLHT social media channels and receive a Rangeley photography book.