McDonald Observatory works with energy companies to stop light pollution

Hundreds of people gather at the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, Texas, for a star party on March 28. Hundreds of people gather at the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, Texas, for a star party on March 28. Photo: Carolyn Van Houten /San Antonio Express-News Photo: Carolyn Van Houten /San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close McDonald Observatory works with energy companies to stop light pollution 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

The McDonald Observatory, often called the “Crown Jewel of the University of Texas,” monitors the night sky in the Davis Mountains. On a clear night, the entire Milky Way is visible from the observatory’s telescopes and the naked eye. However, the stars at night have not appeared as big and bright in recent years due to a problem spreading to most of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas: light pollution.

The observatory is located in Jeff Davis County, one of seven counties in the Trans-Pecos region. All seven counties have a Dark Sky ordinance, which limits the use of light outdoors. Outdoor lighting in an area with a Dark Sky ordinance mandates the light must shine down and not into the sky. Lighting that does not follow these guidelines can wash out the night sky, making it harder for researchers at the McDonald Observatory to study the stars.

Bill Wren, assistant to the observatory superintendent and the institution's resident Dark Sky expert, made helping to curtail light pollution his forte.

“The only problem with Dark Sky is there doesn’t seem to be any enforcement,” Wren said. “We’re limited to education and getting the word out there and encouraging people to use responsible lighting.”

Senior program coordinator Frank Cianciolo’s residency at the observatory stretches back more than 25 years. He says light pollution has continuously grown and is now at its peak in recent months.

“Years ago, you could just barely make out El Paso,” Cianciolo said. “The city has grown since then but by passing a Dark Sky ordinance, they contained some of that light pollution. However, right next door is Juarez and they certainly don’t have the same limitations in place.”

According to Wren and Cianciolo, the majority of the new light in the Trans-Pecos region comes from oil and natural gas activity in the Permian Basin. The observatory maintains ties with energy companies in the region and works to curtail light pollution and encourage the use of responsible lighting where it is needed.

“There are a couple of drillers Bill (Wren) and I have been working with that actually invite us out to inspect their rigs to make sure they’re complying with the ordinance and being responsible,” Cianciolo said. “We prefer voluntary compliance because we’d hate to get law enforcement out here and that’s just a mess for everyone involved.”

Wren is optimistic about the future of the partnership between the observatory and the energy companies and hopes it’ll encourage more Americans to follow suit voluntarily. Practicing responsible lighting is healthier for individuals in the area, as “artificial light can suppress functions of the immune system,” according to Wren

“The industry has published recommended lighting practices under our guidance,” Wren said. “The lighting we’re promoting is easier on the eyes and it’s safer for the workers. It’s catching on but there’s still a lot of doors to knock on. Even if they don’t care about Dark Sky, practicing responsible lighting will save you on your electric bill. I think everyone would be interested in that.”

The International Dark Sky Association is a worldwide organization advocating for the curtailment of light pollution. Members come from many different backgrounds with the intention of preserving the natural night sky across the globe.

“There are a lot of people doing what I’m doing,” Wren said. “It just so happens I’m in a unique position and setting at the McDonald Observatory. My goal is much clearer and simpler, but I still get to travel and speak with state and local governments, including the city council of both Houston and El Paso. This job is all about education and experience. When people can see the effects with their own eyes, they understand the importance of Dark Sky lighting.”

For locals in the area, Dark Sky practices are just as important to them as they are to the observatory.

“We’re seeing fewer stars, especially on the horizon,” Alpine resident and amateur stargazer Wayne McLaughlin said. “Balmorhea lit up last year and Pecos was before that. Some of the oil companies have complied after the observatory spoke to them, but there’s still a long way to go. I’d like to see fracking eliminated entirely.”

Currently both the National Parks Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife include Dark Sky initiatives in their agendas. The Trans-Pecos region is home to two national parks, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, as well as several state parks, including Big Bend Ranch, Davis Mountains and Balmorhea.

Zach is a journalism major, philosophy minor at Texas State University, a former Boy Scout and an avid reader from New Braunfels. He traveled to West Texas and New Mexico as part of a Study in America program offered by the university’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.