Cortez Masto, Curtis, Rosen, Kelly Create National Dark Sky Week

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

"The record-breaking Artemis II mission has renewed the sense of wonder many Americans feel when looking up at the night sky," said Senator 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 Senator 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 Senator 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."

"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 Senator 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."

"With the rise of private space travel, rare celestial events like the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, and the recent Artemis II space mission, curiosity about the skies has never been greater. And Nevada is the perfect destination to explore it, for everyone from beginners to expert stargazers," said Rafael Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer of Travel Nevada. "Nevada provides a front-row seat to the most spectacular stargazing that awaits visitors to our rural communities. We're excited for Senator Cortez Masto's bipartisan resolution to proclaim National Dark Skies Week, bringing rightful attention to our stargazing opportunities."

"Friends of Nevada Wilderness wants to thank Senator Cortez Masto for recognizing National Dark Sky Week and for her longtime support of Nevada's incredible starry skies," said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness. "Dark sky tourism has become so important for our rural counties and Nevada is fortunate to have some of the darkest skies in the country. Let's keep them that way."

"The ability to see pristine dark skies is becoming inaccessible for billions of people around the world, but fortunately, Nevada's wide open landscape is a huge asset and offers astronomy related pursuits in every corner of the state for first time stargazers to professional astrophotographers. Senator Cortez Masto's bipartisan resolution to proclaim National Dark Skies Week will help more people enjoy the awe and wonder of unpolluted starry skies and support Nevada small businesses like mine that rely on tourism," said Liz Woolsey, owner of the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store in Baker, Nevada.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

Senator Cortez Masto is a champion of Nevada's travel and tourism industry. Her Clark County and Dougals County lands bills each contain provisions to increase outdoor recreation opportunities. Cortez Masto has condemned a proposal to increase national park entry fees for non-residents and international visitors and has introduced legislation to codify fee-free days on federal lands. Her guest at this year's State of the Union address was Liz Woolsey, a small business owner from Baker, Nevada who relies on tourism to Great Basin National Park for her livelihood.

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