National Dark-Sky Day

Subject: National Dark-Sky Day

We, the undersigned, represent those who have been inspired by the beauty that is the night sky. Yet, the night sky is disappearing at an alarming rate due to a preventable condition called "light pollution." (Excessive man-made light that inhibits ones ability to see anything more than the moon and the brightest of planets and stars) Countless millions of children from non-rural areas have never seen the Milky Way, a comet, a meteor shower, or any other astronomical event or object which has regularly inspired so many throughout history.

We need that kind of inspiration. The science of Astronomy has been the foundation for some of mankinds greatest achievements like the lunar landings, un-manned missions to other planets, the Hubble Space Telescope, and so much more. Likewise, it has inspired philosophers, authors, artists, and inventors. By setting this one day aside each year, perhaps in conjunction with the Leonid meteor shower, you give teachers and astronomers the opportunity to inspire the next generation of citizens through education while bringing a more widespread awareness and understanding of the disappearing night sky through light pollution.

Let us not lose what the night sky has given to so many. Let us set one day aside as National Dark-Sky Day.