McDonald Observatory’s Night Sky Friendly Lighting Program shines a light (responsibly) on neighbors that help preserve the exceptional night skies of Far West Texas. Thank you to the many properties that are participating in the program!

Do you know of or represent a business, organization, or residence that is night sky friendly? Nominate them for recognition!

Nominate a Property

Nominees will be notified within 3-5 days with follow-up information and to arrange an in-person review of their outdoor lighting. An in-person review by a trained staff member or volunteer is required to be recognized.

Businesses and organizations recognized through McDonald Observatory’s Night Sky Friendly Lighting program will receive this poster to display at their site, as well as window decals. Credit: McDonald Observatory

Who Qualifies

To qualify, properties must be in one of the following Texas counties:

  • Jeff Davis
  • Brewster
  • Presidio
  • Culberson
  • Pecos
  • Reeves
  • Hudspeth

Properties must also follow night sky friendly outdoor lighting practices:

  • Light fixtures should be shielded such that the bulb or light source is not visible from above or from off-property. Lights should be aimed down at the ground.
    The light sources should have a color temperature of 2,700K or below (soft white / amber).
  • Lights should not emit more light than necessary. The total output should not exceed 50,000 lumens per net acre for businesses or public spaces, or 25,000 lumens per net acre for residential areas.
  • Lights that are not in use, including business signs or decorative lights after hours, should be turned off, put on a timer to turn off automatically, or only activated temporarily with a motion sensor.
  • Fixtures must comply with existing county or municipal lighting ordinances.

Nominees do NOT need to perfectly conform to the recommended lighting guidelines to be considered. McDonald Observatory is happy to provide assistance and guidance.

Visit our lighting page to learn more about making your property night sky friendly.

Why Become a Night Sky Friendly Property

Recipients of the Night Sky Friendly recognition receive:

  • Two 5″ x 5″ window stickers
  • One 11″ x 17″ poster to display
  • Recognition on the McDonald Observatory website, social media, and in local media, where appropriate

Night sky friendly lighting practices are also good for business. They improve visibility and safety and can be more cost effective than traditional lighting designs.

Maintain Your Certification

Recognized properties are required to notify McDonald Observatory of any significant changes to their outdoor lighting, and reply to an annual check-in.

Recognized Locations

Jeff Davis County Courthouse

Jeff Davis County Courthouse, Fort Davis, TX. Image credit: Justen Pautzke, McDonald Observatory

JoMommas RV Park

JoMommas RV Park, Terlingua, TX. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory

Marfa Gardens

Marfa Gardens, Marfa, TX. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory

Cactus Liquors

Cactus Liquors. Marfa, TX. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory

Catalyst Midstream

Catalyst Midstream Partners County Line Processing Plant, Orla, TX. Image credit: Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory

Starstruck Observatory

Starstruck Observatory, Terlingua, TX. Image Credit: Linda Avitt

See All Dark Skies Locations

Contact Us

Have a question about preserving dark skies? Contact us ! We are happy to help all property owners become night sky friendly, regardless of location.