In a move to celebrate the efforts dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the night sky in the region, the Kerrville City Council has officially declared October 2023 as Hill Country Night Sky Month. The proclamation aims to recognize the awe-inspiring wonder of the night sky and to raise awareness about two upcoming solar eclipses - an annular eclipse scheduled for October 14, 2023, and a total eclipse set to occur on April 8, 2024.
This declaration follows the implementation of an outdoor lighting ordinance by the city council in the fall of 2022, reflecting Kerrville's commitment to combating light pollution and ensuring the protection of the night sky. The ordinance is designed to preserve the clarity of the stars and celestial phenomena that grace the Hill Country's night canvas.
The initiative to preserve the starry skies of the Hill Country extends beyond Kerrville, with widespread regional support from various counties and cities in the Texas Hill Country.