Sedona: An International Dark Sky Community
In 2014, Sedona became the 8th location in the world to be designated an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association). This prestigious recognition acknowledges Sedona’s commitment to preserving our pristine night skies.
What Makes Sedona Special
- Bortle Scale Rating: Class 2-3 in remote areas (excellent dark skies), 4-5 in town
- Elevation: 4,400 feet – above much of the atmospheric haze
- Climate: Over 280 clear nights per year
- Lighting Ordinances: Strict outdoor lighting codes since 2001
Regional Dark Sky Destinations
Sedona’s success inspired neighboring communities:
- Flagstaff (30 miles) – World’s First International Dark Sky City (2001), named Dark Sky Place of the Year 2025
- Oak Creek – Dark Sky Community (2016)
- Camp Verde – Dark Sky Community (2018)
- Cottonwood – Dark Sky Community (2019)
Nearby Observatories
Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff – 30 miles)
- Founded 1894 by Percival Lowell
- Where Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh
- Features the 4.3-meter Discovery Telescope (5th largest in continental US)
- Public programs daily, admission $35 adults
Kitt Peak National Observatory (170 miles south)
- One of the world’s largest collections of optical telescopes
- Public daytime tours and nightly observing programs
- Overnight telescope observing experiences available
Best Times to Observe
- Best Seasons: Winter and Spring (December – May) for clearest skies
- Avoid: July-August monsoon season (afternoon thunderstorms)
- Best Meteor Showers:
- Geminids (December) – Best of the year, up to 150 meteors/hour
- Perseids (August) – Summer favorite
- Leonids (November)
How You Can Help
- Use warm-colored (amber/red) outdoor lighting
- Shield lights to point downward
- Turn off unnecessary lights at night
- Support dark sky-friendly businesses
- Learn more at DarkSky.org
Sirius Lookers continues to work with Keep Sedona Beautiful to protect our dark skies for future generations of stargazers.