The goal of the Dark Sky Alliance is to work to combat light pollution and promote awareness of the importance of natural dark skies in the Big Bend, particularly in the Gateway Community of Terlingua/Study Butte (and surrounding communities) situated between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Both parks are designated as Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark Sky Association and together represent the largest contiguous area of protected night skies in North America.
The Big Bend is one of the last remaining places in North America where the Milky Way can still be seen.
Light pollution due to unchecked development has the potential to impact the quality of life for residents and visitors to the Big Bend.
Light pollution has been shown to have negative effects on the health and well being of all living organisms and it impacts our ability to see the astronomical wonders of the night sky.
It is our mission to promote awareness of the importance of healthy night skies through education and advocacy.
