April 22-30, 2022: Dark Sky Week

WHEREAS, empirical evidence shows the negative effects light pollution has on both the human population and the environmental health as a whole; and,

WHEREAS, using inefficient outdoor lighting causes light pollution and obstructs the full view of the amazing Michigan sky and its surrounding environment; and,

WHEREAS, we aim to spread awareness about this growing problem, minimize the issues associated with light pollution, and preserve the beauty of our state’s environment and night sky; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan was the first state in the Union to initiate Dark Sky Preserves; and,

WHEREAS, there are eight dark sky preserves in Michigan, two of which are internationally designated dark sky parks; and,

WHEREAS, our state is best known for two internationally designated dark sky parks, Headlands International Sky Park in Mackinaw City and Dr. T.K Lawless Park in Vandalia; and,

WHEREAS, these parks are designated areas that allow for thousands of astrotourists to see the true beauty of the Michigan night sky, and to observe the wonder of meteorological events such as the Northern Lights; and,

WHEREAS, astrotourism helps bring awareness of the effect light pollution can have on our state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 22-30, 2022, as Dark Sky Week in Michigan.