Natural Lightscapes Who We Are

NPS Night Sky Team

The NPS Night Sky Team was formed in 1999 to address increasing alarm over the loss of night sky quality throughout the network of national parks; the team set out to quantify light pollution at four California parks.

To accomplish this, the team developed instrumentation and methods for measuring the brightness of the night sky and identifying light pollution sources. Data inventories have now been collected at a number of NPS units. Team members often work closely with park staff who have taken initiative in protecting natural lightscapes. Though originally focused on the human visual perception of the night sky, capabilities have been broadened to include artificial light impacts to wildlife, cultural resource issues, facility lighting, and night sky interpretation.

The Night Sky Team functions as a center of expertise that provides advice, guidance, and technical support in characterizing and preserving park lightscapes. The program is currently managed jointly by the Air Resources Division of the National Park Service in Denver, Colorado, and Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. For further information, please contact Chad Moore (435-834-4904).

Contacts

Chris Shaver
Division Chief, Air Resources Division
303-969-2074

Chad Moore
Night Sky Program Manager
970-491-3700

Dan Duriscoe
Night Sky Program Physical Scientist
760-872-5044

Kate Magargal
Night Sky Program Physical Science Technician
970-491-8338

Teresa Jiles
Night Sky Program Physical Science Technician
435-834-4906