by Cheryl Jerabek
Perched at about 7,000 feet in the high desert, Norwood is one of the best places to stargaze. Our small community on Wright’s Mesa is known for its exceptionally dark skies, perfect for seeing the Milky Way and beyond. In fact, Norwood has recently been designated as an International Dark Sky Community, thanks to nearly three years of hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers. This designation, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), makes Norwood the first Dark Sky Community on Colorado’s Western Slope and only the second in the entire state.
What does this mean for Norwood? It means we’re committed to protecting our night skies, not just for today, but for future generations. The Norwood Dark Sky Advocates, a local group of astronomy enthusiasts and volunteers, have been leading the way. Their mission is simple: to keep Norwood’s skies dark, educate the public about the importance of reducing light pollution, and promote responsible outdoor lighting.
One of the most magical things about the Town of Norwood is that, while most of the world can no longer see the Milky Way due to light pollution, you can still see it here the whole year-round. As one member of the Norwood Dark Sky Advocates put it, “In Norwood, you can see even the faintest parts of the Milky Way. In the summer, it’s visible before the end of twilight and this is what we’re working to preserve.”
The Advocates are a friendly group of stargazers who love to share their knowledge of the night sky. From posting articles on scientific topics related to the cosmos and highlighting special celestial events to hosting events where community members can use telescopes to explore the universe, they bring a personal touch to Norwood’s Dark Sky status.
Their work doesn’t stop there. Norwood Dark Sky Advocates are also focused on teaching the community about the benefits of Dark-Sky certified lighting fixtures. These types of lights help reduce light pollution, protect the environment, and can even save homeowners money on their energy bills. Local businesses and landowners are encouraged to adopt these lighting practices, which not only protect our night skies but also enhance security and provide economic benefits.
By preserving our night skies, Norwood is also setting an example for other small towns. We’re showing how rural communities can balance development while keeping the stars visible above. The Advocates hope that by promoting responsible outdoor lighting, they can inspire both locals and visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the night sky and take steps to protect it.
If you’re interested in learning more about Norwood’s dark skies, upcoming Star Parties, or how you can help keep our skies dark, be sure to visit the Norwood Dark Skys Advocates Facebook page or the Dark Sky website at www.darksky.org. You’ll find lots of great resources and ways to get involved in this important community effort. Norwood is a special place, and thanks to the work of our Dark Sky Advocates, it will remain one of the best spots to enjoy the beauty of the night sky for years to come.