Free

Dark Sky Mapping Activities

Elementary Level & Beyond

 

 

 

Explore Mapping Activities for Dark Sky Advocacy

 

Discover the power of maps in understanding and protecting the night sky!

 

These resources combine education, creativity, and action, helping students, stargazers, and advocates make meaningful contributions to reducing light pollution.

Use these mapping activities to explore the impact of light pollution and identify ways to preserve our shared celestial heritage.

  

Featured Mapping Activities:

. Light Pollution Map Exploration 

 • Use tools like LightPollutionMap.info to identify areas with high and low levels of light pollution in your region.

 • Learn how different types of lighting affect local skies and discover nearby dark sky locations for stargazing.

 2. Interactive Bortle Scale Mapping 

 • Match locations on a map to their Bortle Class and learn how light pollution impacts star visibility.

 • Explore how urban, suburban, and rural areas rank on the scale, and brainstorm ways to improve their night sky conditions.

 3. Dark Sky Community Locator 

 • Explore the growing network of International Dark Sky Communities around the world, like Antelope and Sisters in Oregon.

 • Use the map to find inspiration for starting dark sky initiatives in your area.

 4. Create Your Local Dark Sky Map 

 • Work with your community to map local sources of light pollution.

 • Identify opportunities to improve lighting practices and protect the night sky, one light at a time.

Additional Resources: 

 • International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) 

 • Visit DarkSky.org for comprehensive guides, advocacy tools, and inspiration from global dark sky initiatives.

 • DIY Stargazing Field Guides 

 • Download our Protecting the Dark Sky Field Guide to create your own map of constellations and dark sky sites.

 • Light Pollution Awareness Campaigns 

 • Explore resources on organizing community events, like stargazing nights and educational workshops, to spread awareness about light pollution.