International Dark Sky Week (formerly the National Dark Sky Week) is held during the week of the new moon in April, when people worldwide may turn off their lights to observe the beauty of the night sky without light pollution. This event was founded in 2003 by high school student Jennifer Barlow of Midlothian, Virginia. It has been endorsed by the International Dark-Sky Association, the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League, and Sky & Telescope. Goal The goals of the event are to: Temporarily reduce light pollution and raise awareness about its effects on the night sky, Encourage the use of better lighting systems that direct light downward instead of into the sky, and Promote the study of astronomy. This event always occurs in April, during the week of the new moon so that the sky can be as dark as possible for optimum viewing conditions. Jennifer Barlow states, "The night sky is a gift of such tremendous beauty that should not be hidden under a blanket of wasted light. It should be visible so that future generations do not lose touch with the wonder of our universe." Barlow explains, "It is my wish that people see the night sky in all of its glory, without excess light in the sky as our ancestors saw it hundreds of years ago." Participation Willing participants in this project turn off all unnecessary lighting indoors and outdoors sources in order to reduce light pollution of the night sky. The International Dark-Sky Association encourages light users to take precautions against outdoor light pollution by: Using outdoor light only when needed Confine light to specific areas Be aware that lights need only be as bright as it is necessary Reducing the amount of blue light emissions used Use of lighting that faces downward, in order to avoid over illumination, called fully shielded fixtures Types of light pollution Light pollution is a broad term used to define excess artificial light that brightens the night sky. Types of light pollution which include: Skyglow, a hazy glow produced by the reflection water molecules in the air that encompasses cities which prevent the night sky to be fully seen. Light trespass is a condition in which light is oriented into areas in which it is not needed. A common example is street lighting projecting in all directions including the sky which creates a hazy reflection upon the night sky,