Citizen Science Month
Acts of Science: Dark Sky Edition
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week
(April 13–20, 2026)
Help reach 2.50 Million Acts of Science in celebration of America’s 250th Birthday!
Calling all Dark Sky Enthusiasts!
This April, SciStarter and partners invite you level up your activities with Acts of Science.
What is an Act of Science?
An activity, like sharing an observation of nature, the night sky, or bird migration, that helps scientists fill data gaps.
Why does it matter?
Light disrupts sleep, wastes energy, and harms nature and wildlife. It certainly confuses migrating birds. Each year in the U.S., up to one billion birds die after colliding with buildings, many drawn off course by artificial light.
There are so many ways you can help! Turn simple observations into real action. Your Acts of Science support science, protect people, birds and nature, and make a real difference!
Hosting an event?
Share this flyer to spread the word.
Make an impact in 4 easy steps!
1. Create a free account on SciStarter (optional): Track your participation, discover projects you’ll love, and see the real-world impact of the science you help make happen.
2. Take free trainings (optional): Build confidence in learning, doing and sharing citizen science.
3. Participate in a project: Check out the featured projects below that connect to the night sky and birds. Find more projects on SciStarter.org.
Globe at Night
Rate the brightness of your night sky
Merlin Bird ID
Identify birds by sight or sound
iNaturalist
Record observations of plants and animals
4. Report your impacts: Count toward the collective goal of 2.5 million Acts of Science in April! (Reporting opens on April 1.)
Discover the wonders of the night through International Dark Sky Week.
