Community Nature Study Series-Dark Skies of Yavapai County: Light Pollution & Solutions

Step outside on a clear Yavapai County night and be among a small group of people on Earth who can see the Milky Way from your own backyard. This talk reviews “dark skies”, why light pollution is accelerating, and how it affects the things we care about; nighttime safety, clear views of the night sky, and preserving the heritage of northern Arizona’s dark skies. You’ll learn the most common lighting mistakes and the simple, practical fixes that make the biggest difference in outdoor lighting; shielding, aiming lights down and using smart controls. We’ll also highlight local momentum, including the recently updated Yavapai County Outdoor Lighting Standard and building codes for unincorporated areas. Presenter Bio: Brian Blau is a former tech executive who is now retired and enjoying some of northern Arizona’s greatest natural resources: its dark skies and the Arizona central highlands. Brian is currently the Vice President of the Prescott Astronomy Club, where he supports community education and outreach and helps appreciate and protect the renowned dark skies of Yavapai County. Brian is also a member of the Highlands Center’s Board of Directors, bringing strengths in strategic planning, communications, and partnership building to further the Center’s mission.