Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky City – with good reason. For more than half a century residents and city-officials have been pioneers in protecting a view of the natural night sky. Our mountain town passed the very first light pollution control ordinance in 1958, and ever since its citizens have worked to maintain an unspoiled night sky for present and future generations. The adjacent Colorado Plateau is perhaps the greatest dark sky oasis in the Lower Forty Eight, and has some of the prime unspoiled night skies on Earth. For our children and grandchildren the Intermountain West may one day be the best place left where interaction with an undiminished night sky is possible – maybe.

Flagstaff has been joined by nearby Sedona and Oak Creek, Borrego Spring, Calif., and other places as recognized Dark Sky Communities. Tucson has had a lighting ordinance since 1972. New Mexico has declared its night skies one of the state’s most-endangered ecosystems. Cities and towns around the world are working to get Night Sky designation from the International Dark Sky Association by adopting their own local legislation preserving unobstructed views of the heavens for residents and visitors. The National Park Service has a night sky element within its administrative mandate. And ecotourism to the most spectacular dark sky sites is growing every year. Dark skies can and do generate business.