Some exciting news for local stargazers: Nevadans can look forward to a new license plate option that celebrates the beauty of our dark skies.
To launch International Dark Sky week, Nevada is celebrating what is believed to be the first license plate in the country that features dark sky conservation.
"The idea is to raise money for awareness about the need for dark skies and how Nevada has such an amazing dark sky resource," said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness.
Designed by dark skies advocate Jonathan Boarini, his plate was chosen over two dozen designs submitted.
According to the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, 99% of the U.S. population is not able to experience a natural night sky due to excessive artificial light.
"Dark skies in our country are diminishing and this is a great opportunity to celebrate dark skies in our beautiful state," Netherton explains.
Friends of Nevada Wilderness say because so much land in rural Nevada is public land, those night skies are being preserved.
If you get this plate, you'll be supporting the preservation of Nevada's night skies which is often one of the main drives for tourism in our rural communities.
"One of the things that we have more than other states is dark skies. I mean literally you can go to Caliente and you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye," said Kate Marshall, Former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada.
Marshall says astronomers from all over the world commonly visit the Great Basin National Park to view the night skies.
"You cannot only see the Milky Way, but it is stunning in Nevada," said Roger Scholl, Chairman of the Board of Friends of Nevada Wilderness. "So having a license plate and looking forward to seeing those license plates on many vehicles scattered around the state just reminding people of the dark skies we have here and to cherish them because they're rare."
Proceeds will go towards Friends of Nevada Wilderness for public education, dark sky monitoring and conservation, and to help promote low impact astro tourism in rural Nevada.
The Save Starry Skies plate is expected to be available to the public in May.
