Astronomers rejoice: Initiatives to reduce light pollution in New Mexico receive acclaim

SANTA FE, N.M. — Efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of excessive outdoor lighting that diminishes nighttime visibility across the globe, and a notable achievement has emerged from the oil and natural gas sector in New Mexico.

DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to the preservation of night skies, announced its inaugural certification targeting oil and gas operations that focus on minimizing light pollution. On Wednesday, the group acknowledged Denver’s Franklin Mountain Energy for their lighting upgrades at two existing sites and a third new site located within a significant oil production area in southeastern New Mexico. These initiatives are projected to lessen the illumination affecting nearby notable locations like Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a popular destination for astronomy lovers and nighttime adventurers.

Peter Lipscomb, vice chair of the New Mexico chapter of DarkSky International, noted that these changes do not negatively impact the company’s financial performance but instead contribute to a safer work environment. He explained that appropriate lighting design reduces glare, which can hinder workers’ visibility. Lipscomb expressed the benefits of reconnecting with the darker skies our ancestors once enjoyed, describing it as a positive outcome for all involved.

Audrey Robertson, co-founder of Franklin Mountain Energy, emphasized that these lighting adjustments also lead to lower electricity consumption. The company collaborated with various federal agencies, national parks, telescopic observatories, and the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association to implement these changes. Recommendations provided by this partnership encourage the use of fixtures that focus light downward, minimizing spillover into the sky.

Globally, stargazers are increasingly contending with the rise of artificial outdoor lighting during nighttime hours. A recent study conducted in 2023 that surveyed over 50,000 amateur astronomers revealed that artificial lighting is causing the brightness of the night sky to increase by approximately 10% annually. By 2016, more than 80% of the world’s population resided under light-polluted skies, which obscure the visibility of the Milky Way.

In response to the growing issue of light pollution, New Mexico state legislators are working on an update to a 1999 law that governs external nighttime lighting in the state’s high-altitude mountains and desert areas. This initiative is a reaction to an alarming rise in light pollution, catalyzed by the advent of energy-efficient LED technology, which has led to an uptick in unshielded outdoor lighting.

The National Park Service prioritizes the safeguarding of dark night skies at remote areas, including the Chaco Culture National Historic Park, which holds significant cultural importance for Native American tribes. Remarkably, over 99% of this park remains free of permanent outdoor lighting.

Additionally, Lipscomb acknowledged oil operators situated in West Texas who are also embracing modifications to shield night skies, collaborating with the McDonald Observatory in nearby Fort Davis, where dark nights are essential for research and educational purposes.