Gov. Jared Polis recently proclaimed June as Colorado’s first-ever Dark Sky Month, a month dedicated to drawing awareness to the importance of clear night skies and the negative cultural, environmental and economic impacts of light pollution.

Several Boulder County dark sky advocates and astronomy experts say the wonder of the night’s darkest skies can still be enjoyed the area, especially in the north, west, and southwest regions of the county.

Polis’ proclamation was inspired by an April 9 event at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Fiske Planetarium dubbed “Bringing Back Dark Skies.” The event, hosted in partnership with the International Dark-Sky Association Colorado Chapter and the Sierra Club, discussed the importance of dark skies and Boulder’s recently-implemented outdoor lighting ordinance.

One of Polis’ staff members in attendance at the event inquired how to best support the dark sky cause. A collaboration with the association quickly ensued and resulted in the proclamation.

In celebration of Dark Sky Month, International Dark-Sky Association Colorado will hold a similar event, which will be free and open to the public, at 7 p.m. June 12 at the Fiske Planetarium.

Colorado’s proclamation highlights the importance of dark skies, but decries light pollution as a “waste of natural resources.” Additionally, it mentions the more than $2 billion spent annually on light pollution, its steady 3 to 5% annual growth, and its negative effects on ecology and human health.

Astronomy author Jeff Kanipe agrees with the multitude of benefits in limiting light pollution.

“It’s not just that skywatchers want to see the stars — light mitigation saves both energy and tax dollars,” Kanipe said. Light pollution “is screwing up nature, the sleep cycle of animals and humans, and it’s wasting millions, if not billions of dollars.”

The International Dark-Sky Association estimates that at least 30% of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. alone is wasted. About $3 billion worth of energy is lost annually to sky glow, the artificial brightness of the night sky caused by outdoor lighting, which equates to about $10 per man, woman and child in the United States, according to the Iassociation. And about 15 million tons of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of emissions of 3 million passenger cars — are emitted each year to power residential outdoor lighting in the United States, according to the association.

In a web post, the National Park Service states that light pollution impacts both humans and animals: “Natural light cycles are crucial for survival for all plants and animal species. Approximately 70% of mammals are nocturnal, meaning they are mostly active at night. Scientists have increasing evidence of health benefits for humans from natural darkness. These include reduced blood pressure and lower stress hormone levels. We sleep more soundly in darkness, and our health suffers when we don’t experience sufficient sleep.”

As star-filled skies become rarer and harder to see in many parts of the state, the National Park Service, International Dark-Sky Association Colorado Chapter, and stargazing groups are working to improve and protect Colorado’s night skies.

Groups of those interested in astronomy and space, such as the Coal Creek Canyon Sky Watchers, gather and view various aspects of the night sky through telescopes or the naked eye. The elevation in Coal Creek Canyon — between 8,000 and 9,000 feet — the group makes for clearer viewing of starry skies. Additionally, the group holds frequent meetings and presentations, indoors and outdoors, for all ages.

To view Colorado’s clearest dark skies, the International Dark-Sky Association recommends visiting one of its certified International Dark Sky Places: Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Hovenweep National Monument, and the towns of Norwood and Westcliffe/Silver Cliff.

To view dark, starry skies closer to Boulder County, Ruth Carol Cushman, co-author of “Boulder Hiking Trails” and a Camera outdoors columnist, recommends Bald Mountain Scenic Area at the base of Sunshine Canyon. The Longmont Astronomical Society, a nonprofit amateur astronomy club, often holds stargazing parties at Rabbit Mountain Open Space at the easternmost point in the foothills of Boulder County.

“A dark, natural night sky — something everyone should be able to appreciate — is rapidly in danger of becoming a thing of the past,” Kanipe said. “… Anything that draws attention to the problem of light pollution is positive.”

If You Go

What: International Dark-Sky Association Colorado chapter “Dark Sky Month” event

When: 7 p.m. June 12

Where: University of Colorado Boulder’s Fiske Planetarium

Cost: Free