Norwood in the darkest reaches of the country.

Norwood Dark Sky Community (Dark Sky Certified)
 

Representing a small community in southwestern Colorado, Norwood is one of the most ideal places to gaze up at the stars because it sits on Wright's Mesa at 7000 ft in the high desert. It is exceptionally dark and friendly. The Town is presently working on a certification from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). Please spend some time browsing this website learning about the mysteries that dwell above us and about any upcoming gatherings. We were recently certified by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) as one of the darkest towns in the country. Earning this Dark Sky designation is a major accomplishment that can allow us to continue observing Wright's Mesa's beautiful night skies. We were certified in February, 2019.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Norwood Dark Sky Advocates and our goals

Living in Norwood Colorado, we are a group of interested astronomers that marvel in the miracles that the universe provides. From bursting supernovas to stellar birthplaces like the Orion Nebula, our universe is actively forming new spectacles. We have gathered a group of amateur astronomers that will help disseminate our knowledge throughout our neighborhood. As we post scientific concepts of the cosmos monthly in the Norwood Post and focus on certain stellar events, hopefully, we can better inform the world of the vastness of our universe. Additionally, plans will be made to host Star Parties in the future that can help citizens interact face to face with these experts as they explain the enigmas that surround us. Here, people can use current technology and impressive telescopes to gaze into the heavens at the beautiful expanse of space and its heavenly bodies.
 
 
 

 

Our Mission:

Norwood Dark Sky Advocates work to protect the beautiful night skies that we enjoy in the Norwood area for present and future generations.

Our Goals

  • Advocate for the protection of the night sky
  • Educate the public and policymakers about night sky conservation
  • Promote environmentally responsible outdoor lighting
  • Empower the public with the tools and resources to help bring back the night
  • Educate the public and landowners the advantages of using Dark-Sky certified lighting fixtures and equipment for the environment, their security, and their bottom-line
  • Encourage the community, businesses, government agencies and leaders by helping them recognize the economic benefits of adopting non-light-polluting practices and preserving our dark nighttime sky
 

Norwood's First Glimpse

The first picture from Norwood of the Andromeda Galaxy.

Norwood's first picture of the deep-space Andromeda Galaxy taken by David Elmore