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Local astronomer asks Luna County to adopt dark‑sky proclamation, cites ecological and economic benefits
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Summary
Gary Starkweather, representing New Mexico Dark Skies and the International Dark‑Sky Association, urged the commission to back a dark‑sky proclamation, arguing ecological protections and ecotourism benefits while acknowledging potential opposition from lighting‑dependent industries.
Gary Starkweather, a member of the International Dark‑Sky Association and the New Mexico Dark Skies chapter, asked the Luna County Board of Commissioners to consider a proclamation supporting natural dark skies, saying darker night skies preserve biological day‑night cycles and can promote ecotourism.
Starkweather described ecological harms from excessive artificial light and said the chapter is working on an economic report on dark‑sky benefits. He pointed attendees to the International Dark‑Sky Association website and newmexicodarksky.org for lists of certified dark‑sky places and said his community conducts astronomy presentations at City of Rocks and Rock Out State Park.
Commissioners and other attendees asked practical questions during a brief exchange: one asked how dark‑sky recognition might help economic development; Starkweather said it could attract visitors and businesses tied to tourism and services. Another asked where certification counts come from; Starkweather pointed to the International Dark‑Sky Association and the New Mexico Dark Sky website. He also noted that industries that profit from high levels of artificial light — for example billboard advertisers or businesses with significant exterior lighting — often oppose dark‑sky regulation.
Why it matters: A local proclamation or policy could influence future lighting rules, planning permits and the county’s ability to promote astro‑tourism. Commissioners said they would take the proclamation under consideration; no motion or vote was recorded during the public session.
