In a significant win for night sky preservation, the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, is spearheading efforts to reduce light pollution across the region. A new set of lighting guidelines for New Mexico’s oil and gas industry marks the latest milestone in the observatory’s Dark Skies Initiative, which has been protecting West Texas skies since 2010.
“Light doesn’t stop traveling when it hits the state line,” said Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative coordinator at McDonald Observatory. “This collaboration with New Mexico ensures that our skies remain some of the darkest and most pristine in the continental U.S., benefiting astronomical research, local economies, and regional heritage.”
Expanding Night Sky Preservation Beyond Texas
The Dark for the Park Alliance, established in 2023, unveiled the Lighting Guidance Options for the Energy Industry earlier this month. Inspired by McDonald Observatory’s 2018 guidelines for Texas, the new standards encourage oil and gas facilities in New Mexico’s Permian and San Juan Basins to adopt night sky-friendly practices, such as:
- Shielding lights to shine downward.
- Using task-specific lighting intensities.
- Opting for amber-colored bulbs to reduce skyglow.
The collaborative effort builds on the observatory’s success in maintaining exceptional night skies in Fort Davis, benefiting stargazers and researchers alike.
Success in Practice: A Pilot Program in New Mexico
A pilot program with Franklin Mountain Energy (FME) demonstrated the effectiveness of the new guidelines at three oil and gas sites near Carlsbad, New Mexico. After implementing night sky-friendly lighting:
- Lighting energy use decreased by 60%.
- Skyglow diminished by 99%, as measured from 25 miles away.
These achievements earned the facilities DarkSky Certified status, a first for oil and gas sites worldwide. “Our goal is to balance operational safety with preserving the unique beauty of the region’s skies,” said Audrey Robertson, FME’s co-founder.
Fort Davis at the Center of a Regional Movement
The efforts extend beyond protecting the observatory’s vital research. By reducing light pollution, McDonald Observatory and its partners help preserve the unique beauty of West Texas and Northern Mexico, vital for tourism, local heritage, and the shared enjoyment of the night sky.
To learn more about how communities and businesses can contribute to night sky preservation, visit:
Fort Davis remains a shining example of how local leadership can inspire regional cooperation, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonder of the West Texas night sky.
Photo Credits: Top- Stephen Hummel, Before/After- Franklin Mountain Energy
