Senate Unanimously Passes Kelly Bipartisan Resolution Designating National Dark Sky Week

A bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Curtis (R-UT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) recognizing the week of April 20th, 2026, as National Dark Sky Week passed the Senate unanimously. The resolution honors the spots across the United States where the lack of light pollution creates a dark night sky prime for stargazing.

Arizona is home to Flagstaff, the world's first International Dark Sky City, as well as the Kitt Peak National Observatory and Grand Canyon Dark Sky Park, leading the nation in IDA-certified dark sky sites than any other state.

"I've seen the stars from orbit, but you don't have to be an astronaut to look up and feel that same curiosity. There's nothing quite like a clear night sky, and Arizona has some of the best in the country," said Kelly. "Dark skies inspire kids to study science, brings economic development to our rural communities, and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. That's worth protecting."

"The record-breaking Artemis II mission has renewed the sense of wonder many Americans feel when looking up at the night sky," said Cortez Masto. "Dark sky places, including Nevada's very own Great Basin National Park, are the ideal destinations for stargazers searching for the best views of faraway constellations and even the Milky Way. My resolution honors these sites and urges their conservation for future generations."

"As we commit our physical and intellectual resources to exploring space and the stars through programs like Artemis, we should also ensure that every American can connect with our fascinating universe from here on Earth," said Curtis. "By marking National Dark Sky Week, our resolution provides us a moment to renew our curiosity, celebrate the beauty beyond the Earth's atmosphere, and work together to reduce light pollution."

"Nevada is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, which can be seen from the Great Basin Star Train out of Ely and Great Basin National Park, giving us a glimpse into the depths of our galaxy," said Rosen. "I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in proclaiming National Dark Skies week, highlighting one of the many wonders that Nevada has to offer and promoting conservation so the views can be enjoyed by generations to come."

The full text of the resolution can be found here.