Night Skies
The Hill Country sits on the edge of the night. To its east is a nighttime landscape dominated by artificial lighting that stretches to the East Coast. To its west lies a less inhabited landscape, famous for its starry skies. Stepping outside on a cool, clear Hill Country night to gaze at the stars helps us escape the fast pace of our daily lives, though few regulations currently stand in place to preserve this experience for future generations.
The Hill Country Alliance Night Skies program helps Hill Country counties and cities minimize the impacts of light pollution through education and outreach, the establishment of outdoor lighting policies, and the recognition and celebration of certified Dark Sky Places in our region. Join us in our effort to stop the spread of light pollution and keep our Texas night skies “big and bright”.
The following pages are intended to educate and inspire both individuals and communities to come together and preserve our Hill Country night skies.
Light Pollution and Why It Matters
Night Sky Friendly Lighting
As development expands, it often unintentionally increases the spread of light pollution. The good news is that it doesn’t have to! Explore our resources to make more informed, intentional lighting choices and install night sky friendly lighting features at your own house and in your community.
Get Involved with Night Sky Preservation
Night Sky Resources, Projects, and Mapping
From the impacts of lighting on local wildlife to the creation of a sky quality meter network across the Hill Country, regional research helps us understand what we stand to lose – and what we gain – when we preserve our night skies.
Ordinances, Resolutions, and Designations
Outdoor lighting ordinances and resolutions help local communities make night sky preservation a priority. When communities adopt legislation and create more International Dark Sky designated places in our region, we ensure pristine views for future generations.
Hill Country Night Sky Month
Hill Country Eclipse Portal
In the coming years, the Hill Country will play center stage to two phenomenal solar events. On Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will occur. A total solar eclipse will take place almost six months later, on Monday, April 8, 2024. Access planning resources here.