Why is Breckenridge seeking a DarkSky International Community Certification?

The original exterior lighting ordinance, passed in 2007, was not intended to make Breckenridge a DarkSky International certified community. Instead, it was a proactive stewardship plan to mitigate the light pollution in Breckenridge. After the town updated its exterior lighting ordinance in 2020, a community member recommended that Breckenridge investigate DarkSky International Certification in early 2023. The Town Council held multiple work sessions and directed staff to pursue certification. Additional modifications were made to the ordinance in 2024 per the recommendations of DarkSky International. Breckenridge became a Certified Dark Sky Community on August 22, 2025.

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Timeline of Dark Sky Lighting in Breckenridge:

Timeline for Dark Sky Lighting in Breckenridge (PDF) 

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Dark Sky Quality Measurements in Breckenridge

To track Breckenridge’s progress towards reducing light pollution and support becoming a DarkSky International Certified Community, the Town has collected detailed night sky brightness data using Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) at ten strategic monitoring sites. Measurements are taken under strict conditions (e.g., after astronomical twilight, with no visible moon, clear skies, and ideally near the new moon phase) to ensure accuracy. Environmental factors such as winter decorative lighting and prolonged snow cover can elevate ambient light levels and influence readings. These measures not only establish a reliable baseline but also highlight the early success of Breckenridge’s Dark Sky initiative. Ongoing monitoring will continue to guide future improvements and ensure long-term protection of the Town’s natural nightscapes. 

Between March 2024 and May 2025, Breckenridge recorded average and median Sky Quality Meter (SQM) values ranging from approximately 19.3 to 21.4 magnitudes per square arcsecond (mpsas). The scale of measurements starts at 16 mpsas and goes up to 22 mpsas, with higher values indicating darker skies and lower light pollution. Locations like the Sawmill Museum and near the top of Discovery Hill Drive consistently showed the darkest skies. More urban-adjacent sites, such as the Barney Ford Museum, reflected higher ambient light. Notably, several sites have shown gradual improvements over time, suggesting that recent efforts such as the implementation of the Town’s updated exterior lighting ordinance and widespread replacement of non-compliant fixtures are already reducing light pollution throughout the community.  

Learn more about Sky Quality Monitoring here! For more information about DarkSky International and the Dark Sky Community Certification process, visit darksky.org.