Light Pollution Abatement Resources

Reducing light pollution is a classic example of a "think globally, act locally" issue. While the negative effects of light pollution are widespread, most lighting is regulated either at the municipal or regional (provincial/state) level. To help preserve dark skies, advocates need to work with municipal planners, councils, and regulators to encourage lighting standards and practices that preserve the night sky.

How to Become a Designated Dark-Sky Site

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Dark-Sky Site program recognizes public and private spaces that are contributing to the reduction of light pollution, educating the public about dark skies, and liaising with municipalities to improve lighting legislation. If you are interested in actively contributing to the preservation of dark skies in Canada, or if you already do so, consider becoming a designated Dark-Sky Site!

Dark-Sky Sites in Canada

The map link below shows Canadian Dark-Sky Sites that have been designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. For an interactive map, please click on this link:

[ Open Interactive Google Map in new tab ]

Dark-Sky Sites Program

The aim of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Dark-Sky Sites Program is to recognize sites that are contributing to the reduction of light pollution, educating the public about dark skies, and liaising with municipalities to improve lighting legislation. In order to receive a designation, sites must fulfill certain requirements in regards to lighting, sky quality, visitor experience, and municipal outreach.

Light Pollution Abatement at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

Light pollution makes it harder to see the stars, but it also has long-term negative impacts on human health, heritage, and the environment. The RASC recognizes that natural dark skies are an important ecological and cultural resource, and has a dedicated team who promote awareness of the impacts of artificial light at night and lead efforts in light pollution abatement across Canada.

Information from the early days of the RASC's robotic telescope in California.

This telescope was operated from 2018 until 2023.

Additional pages are stored in the 2020s digital archives.

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On p. 96, the formula used for Algol minima should read 2456181.84 + (2.86736*E)

On p. 104, for Jupiter, delete the final sentence. 

On p. 105 of the both Editions, delete all double transit events

On p. 107 of the USA Edition, the third line of text for May 26 should read Total Lunar Eclipse (p. 126)