Horseshoe Bay is a Dark Sky Community

milkywaybluebonnets

Why Preserve Our Hill Country Nighttime Skies?

Before the advent of electric light in the 20th century, our ancestors experienced a night sky brimming with stars that inspired science, religion, philosophy, art and literature. Do you remember the first time you looked up at the night sky as a child and saw the Milky Way swimming with millions of stars? The common heritage of a natural night sky is rapidly becoming unknown to the newest generations, including millions of children who will never see the Milky Way from their own homes. 

The nighttime environment is a crucial natural resource for all life on Earth, but the glow of uncontrolled outdoor lighting has hidden the stars, causing serious harm to human and animal health, and the environment. About 15 million tons of carbon dioxide are emitted each year in order to power residential outdoor lighting in the U.S.; 600 million trees would need to be planted to offset that amount of carbon emission. 13% of residential electricity use is for outdoor lighting, and 35% of that light is wasted by unshielded and/or poorly-aimed light fixtures. There are links at the bottom of this page if you would like more information on how excessive outdoor lighting affects our environment. 

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), founded in 1988, is dedicated to preserving the natural nighttime environment by educating policymakers and the public about night sky conservation and promoting eco-friendly outdoor lighting. There are multiple links below for the Association.

In November 2015, in recognition of its exemplary efforts to preserve its naturally dark nighttime conditions, the International Dark-Sky Association designated the City of Horseshoe Bay a Dark Sky Community. Horseshoe Bay was the eighth Dark Sky Community named in the United States, and the second named community in Texas. Please view the Press Release when the City of Horseshoe Bay received it's Dark Sky Community designation. 

IDA is celebrating the 100th International Dark Sky Place Designation! You can find the press release (Horseshoe Bay is listed on page 3), find information on all Dark Sky Places, and watch the video below which celebrates all 100 places. 

The Hill Country Alliance and the City of Horseshoe Bay celebrated the inaugural "Hill Country Night Sky Month" in October 2020. Click the link below to learn more about Horseshoe Bay's recent Stargazing event.

4 Things You Can Do to Protect Hill Country Dark Skies

In the serene, gentle glow of the Hill Country, one only needs to step outside and look up to embrace the breathtaking beauty on a clear and starry evening. The following outdoor lighting tips can enhance your stargazing experience on any night of the year. 

1. Use fully shielded lighting

Fully shielded lighting has a barrier at both the top of the fixture and surrounding the light bulb or LED light source. It is set at an angle so the light source cannot be seen by nearby people or wildlife and prevents light trespass onto your neighbors' property, glare, and skyglow. To learn more about fully shielded options, visit www.skykeepers.org/handouts/blbn.pdf.

2. Use the correct color temperature

"Color temperature" describes the apparent color of light emitted from a light source. It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000. Lower color temperature light (2,000K to 3,000K) has less blue light in its spectrum and is referred to as "warm." Higher color temperature light (3,100K to 6,500K) is rich in blue light and appears harsher and brighter. Blue light can also harm our health and endanger wildlife.

It is critical to use light on the "warm" end of the spectrum. The International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) recommends using lighting that has a color temperature of no more than 3,000K–the lower the better. In Horseshoe Bay, yard address lights may not contain lamps exceeding 1,800 initial lumens and a correlated color temperature of 3200K.

3. Ensure lights are no brighter than necessary

Good outdoor lighting has a specific purpose, such as illuminating a path, doorway, or gate. It is important that the light is not brighter than necessary to serve that function. Over-lighting creates more skyglow and glare, while also diminishing our ability to see at night. In most cases, less is more!

4. Ensure lights are only on when needed

Using light when not needed is wasteful and could create intrusion into neighboring properties. There are also huge economic consequences! If you are actively using outdoor lights that remain on overnight – you are paying for it! Night-time lighting should be used only when needed and still allows you to stay safe in the dark. Motion sensor lighting could be a more economical and neighbor-friendly option. Learn more about light pollution and simple solutions to mitigate it from the Hill Country Alliance and the IDSA.

The Solution Starts with You - Get Your Home Certified as Dark Sky Friendly!

By following five simple principles for responsible outdoor lighting at home, you can protect nocturnal wildlife, be a good neighbor, and preserve the night sky.

After you’ve checked the lights around your home and have taken steps to correct any lighting that does not meet the Dark Sky Friendly Home Lighting program criteria, you can self-certify your home and proudly display a Dark Sky Friendly Home Lighting certificate!

Educational Materials

City of Horseshoe Bay Dark Sky Ordinance

Click to read the City's code of ordinances regarding Dark Sky compliance.

IDA's 100th International Dark Sky Place Designation Celebration Video (Horseshoe Bay is at 1:13)

Below is an educational (and entertaining) video made by the staff at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which demonstrates the importance of proper nighttime lighting:

IDA's Losing the Dark (video)