Dripping Springs, International Dark Sky Community in Hays County, Texas, US
Dripping Springs is a small city in Hays County west of Austin with about four thousand residents and a layout that follows several rural roads across rolling terrain. The community spreads across wooded hills and grassland at an elevation of roughly 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level.
The city received International Dark Sky Community designation in 2014 from the International Dark-Sky Association, becoming the first in Texas to earn this recognition. This recognition followed the adoption of strict lighting control measures throughout the municipal boundaries.
The city organizes regular astronomy events and stargazing sessions that bring together residents and visitors to observe and learn about celestial phenomena.
Most public street lights use special shields that direct light downward, while shops and homes follow similar standards to reduce glare and upward spill. The best months for sky observation are usually the drier periods from fall through spring, when fewer clouds block the view.
The city sits within the Texas Hill Country, where natural darkness benefits from low population density and wide spacing between settlements. Local ordinances require fully shielded fixtures for all new outdoor installations, ensuring that no light escapes directly upward or sideways.
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