Researchers estimate that 80% of the world’s population is subject to light pollution, with one-third of Americans living without a clear view of the Milky Way – our home galaxy.
The Village of Cuba acknowledges the importance of preserving the night sky as a good neighbor to other designated Dark Sky communities in our area to include Village of Jemez Springs, Los Alamos County, Valle Caldera National Preserve, and Chaco Culture National Historic Park.
We want to join other communities and parks in Northern New Mexico in the effort to create a Dark Sky Corridor that protects our cultural heritage and welcomes new stargazers to our world-class destinations.
Mayor Denny Herrera
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to educate themselves about what causes light pollution, how light pollution affects quality of life, and more about how to make simple changes to reduce light pollution where you live, learn, work, and play.
View the Cuba Dark Sky Community Meeting 23 OCT 2025 presentation
The Five Principles for Outdoor Lighting
From DarkSky.org, responsible outdoor lighting is:
- Useful
Use light only if it is needed
All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and their habitats.
- Targeted
Direct light so it falls only where it is needed
Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill beyond where it is needed.
- Low level
Light should be no brighter than necessary
Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.
- Controlled
Use light only when it is needed
Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure that light is available when it is needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not needed.
- Warm-colored
Use warmer-color lights where possible
Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.
Everyone should have the right to access darkness and quality lighting, and light needs to be used and distributed fairly without discrimination.
The Responsible Outdoor Lighting At Night (ROLAN) Manifesto
View the ROLAN Manifesto about Lighting for Human Rights
Lighting for Improved Safety
From DarkSky.org, bad outdoor lighting can decrease safety by making victims and property easier to see.
Low Lights for Wildlife
The introduction of artificial light probably represents the most drastic change human beings have made to their environment.
Christopher Kyba, research scientist for nocturnal animals
Dark Sky Lighting Options
Take the Home Outdoor Lighting Assessment
Dark Sky Tours by Navajo Tours USA_Nageezi New Mexico_Photo by Wayne Pinkston