The American Astronomical Society passed a resolution in January that declared “that access to a dark night sky is a universal human right, making quality outdoor lighting a worldwide imperative.” The state of Utah agrees. Last week, the University of Utah awarded formal recognition to the Consortium for Dark Sky Studies (CDSS), the first academic center in the world dedicated to discovering, developing, communicating and applying knowledge pertaining to the quality of the night skies. The consortium of over 25 partners will research the global issue of light pollution, public health, economic and environmental impacts of the so-called “disappearing dark.” A member of CDSS, the Natural History Museum of Utah recently earned a new International Dark-Sky Association Lighting Design Award, making the museum Utah’s first dark sky-designed public building. Stephen Goldsmith, associate professor of City and Metropolitan Planning and co-director of CDSS, is available to discuss the consortium, the museum’s lighting award and why Utah is uniquely positioned to host studies of the dark sky.

Stephen Goldsmith | associate professor of City and Metropolitan Planning and co-director of CDSS | goldsmith@arch.utah.edu

Lisa Potter | science writer, University Communications | office: 801-585-3093 cell: 949-533-7899 | lisa.potter@utah.edu