JONESTOWN NIGHT SKY ADVOCACY GROUP
Our Mission: To preserve the beauty of our natural night sky & eliminate light pollution with responsible outdoor lighting.
- About Jonestown, Texas
Jonestown is a small, predominantly residential city consisting of working families, retirement households and seasonal/occasional visitors situated on Lake Travis in one of the most scenic areas of Central Texas. We value the natural beauty of the hill country and believe our beautiful night skies are a powerful expression of our appeal as a community dedicated to natural order and harmony with nature.
City Resource Links
- Jonestown Night Sky Advocacy Mission
- To maintain Dark Sky Community designation from the International Dark-Sky Association and communicate to the City of Jonestown the importance of controlling the growth of light pollution to:
- preserve the beauty of the natural night sky
- increase safety
- reduce energy waste
- save money on energy costs
- preserve wildlife and ecosystems
- benefit human health
- preserve night sky heritage for future generations
In 2024, the City of Jonestown became Texas's ninth International Dark Sky Community
The City of Jonestown is officially designated as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International.
Jonestown now joins more than 210 certified International Dark Sky Places worldwide that have demonstrated strong community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution.
Community Support for night skies
Paul Johnson - Jonestown Mayor
"Twenty years ago, each year, we would gather our family and, with our blankets, cameras, telescopes, and binoculars, prepare for a night of stargazing and watching meteor showers! This began our family tradition of gathering to enjoy our beautiful night skies. As our community grew, we realized our night skies needed protection from increasing light pollution. The city decided an improved lighting ordinance was necessary. An ordinance that...
moreLecia Ellis - JNSA Advocate
"The dedication by my fellow advocates is overwhelming. Through their actions, citizens recognize and understand light pollution and, more importantly, what can be done to improve it. One of the most frequent questions I hear at events is, "I've got this neighbor… there's this light…. what can I do?" It's individual, it's personal, and it's real life! This is the perfect opportunity to communicate our message about light pollution, the...
moreAnn DaPrato - City Parks Coordinator
"The City of Jonestown is a small community with a hometown, country feel. The ability to see the natural night sky will enhance our city's vision of maintaining a semi-rural feel and fostering a high quality of life for all our citizens."
more
International Dark-Sky Association
DarkSky international
DarkSky International is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide.
Vision: The night sky, filled with stars, is celebrated and protected around the world as a shared heritage benefiting all living things.
Purpose: To protect the night from light pollution.
Approach: We will realize our vision by guiding strategy, monitoring results, and supporting aligned actions among DarkSky chapters, volunteers, and other stakeholders. By providing leadership, tools and resources for individuals, policymakers, and industry, we will reduce light pollution and promote responsible outdoor lighting that is beautiful, healthy, and functional. IDA website
Night Sky Viewing Apps
Download on the App Store
Sky Guide
Sky View Lite
