Dark Sky International certifies Austria's Weißbach and promotes Globe at Night campaign

During International Dark Sky Week (13‑20 April 2026), the Astronomische Gesellschaft Orion in Germany urged the public to join the Globe at Night citizen‑science project. Participants record the visibility of constellations such as Leo to map light‑pollution levels, aiming for 20 000 observations worldwide and providing data for research on artificial lighting’s impact on nature and health.

In Austria, the nature park of Weißbach in the Pinzgau received a Dark Sky International certification, becoming Salzburg’s first "Starlight park" and the third in the country. The municipality reduced street‑light intensity by half and switched off remote lamps to meet the criteria. Sandra Uschnig, the park’s manager, said, “Man muss einiges vorlegen und nachweisen.” The award is expected to attract astronomers, climbers and tourists seeking pristine night skies.

Both initiatives highlight a growing European effort to preserve dark skies, raise awareness of light pollution, and promote sustainable, low‑impact tourism.