Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Night Sky Organization Honors Bisbee for Embracing Dark Skies

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Bisbee, Arizona, known for its vibrant past in saloons and gambling, has recently earned the designation of an International Dark Sky Place, highlighting its commitment to preserving starry views and combatting light pollution. This recognition, backed by the advocacy group DarkSky International, marks the culmination of a six-year effort led by local astronomy enthusiasts, including Bruce Syrett, who initiated the Bisbee Dark Sky Initiative. The city’s 5.2-square-mile area will undergo a five-year transformation to replace public lighting, ensuring adherence to dark-sky standards. This achievement places Bisbee among 21 other dark-sky destinations in Arizona and is expected to boost tourism by attracting visitors interested in “astro tourism.” As the state capitalizes on its clear skies and established dark-sky practices, Bisbee aims to evolve from a former mining hub to a premier spot for stargazing enthusiasts.

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