Formally recognized in 2017 as an academic center, CDSS is based at the University of Utah and affiliated with a number of other universities nationally, facilitating research that is both trans-disciplinary and multi-institutional.
In late 2018 and in collaboration with ALAN (Artificial Light at Night), CDSS held the largest-to-date global research conference on the multi-dimensional challenges of rapidly growing artificial light, addressing topics of: measurement and modeling; biology and ecology; technology and design; health; society.
The Work:
Featured Research and Collaborative Work
CDSS works in a number of subject areas with concerted effort to leverage its members’ broad perspectives and varied backgrounds.
Priorities include:
- atmospheric aspects of dark skies;
- social equity issues of night sky deficits in disadvantaged populations;
- citizen science and student intern astronomy and dark sky training; expansion of environmental humanities;
- dark sky curriculum additions to STEM education;
- impact of light pollution on human health;
- planning and policy questions about exterior lighting ordinances and enforcement;
- impact of light pollution on wildlife and ecosystems;
- effective lighting and safety issues;
- retaining community character and building sustainable “Amenity West” communities.
An early example of CDSS’s collaborative work in tourism and outdoor recreation is found in the development of the Great Western Starry Way, a north-south stargazing route from Glacier to Grand Canyon, with guidance to the many scenic places offering the best protected night skies of the Rocky Mountain States and Colorado Plateau, which are, in fact, some of the best dark skies of the world. Early prototype below.