Conference Schedule
The agenda below outlines this year’s conference events, workshops, and regional sessions. Be sure to check back for updates as sessions are confirmed.
Friday, November 7
5:00 – 6:30 PM EST
Global open: Welcome & opening keynote
Under One Sky opens with remarks and a keynote to set the stage for the conference. Learn more →
6:30 – 7:30 PM EST
Global networking
Connect with peers worldwide in a dynamic open networking session. Learn more →
8:00 – 9:15 PM EST
Workshop one:
Designing a darker future
Practical strategies for creating communities and environments that follow dark sky principles. Learn more →
9:30 – 11:00 PM EST
Regional stories session:
Asia-Pacific
Advocates from Asia-Pacific share their stories, challenges, and successes. Learn more →
11:30 PM – 12:45 AM EST
Workshop two:
Science for global impact
Exploration of current research, underreported findings, and scientific gaps in light pollution studies. Learn more →
Saturday, November 8
1:00 – 2:30 AM EST
Regional stories session:
Middle East & South Asia
Advocates from the Middle East and South Asia present local perspectives and initiatives. Learn more →
3:00 – 4:15 AM EST
Workshop three:
Astrotourism for conservation & economic development
Explore how astrotourism can drive conservation and create economic opportunities in your community. Learn more →
4:30 – 6:00 AM EST
Regional stories session:
Europe & Africa
Presentations from Europe and Africa highlight ongoing regional advocacy efforts. Learn more →
6:30 – 8:00 AM EST
Global open rebroadcast
Replay of the opening session, introduced and hosted by regional representatives. Learn more →
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Workshop four:
Beyond the Streetlight — How We Light the Modern Night
A panel discussion on emerging threats to the night sky, from bright car headlights to reflective satellites.
Learn more →
Regional stories session:
North, Central, & South America
Advocates from across the Americas share experiences and impactful stories. Learn more →
2:30 – 3:30 PM EST
Awards ceremony
Recognition of individuals and groups for their contributions to dark-sky preservation. Learn more →
3:30 – 4:30 PM EST
Global networking
Informal space for attendees to connect following the awards. Learn more →
5:00 – 6:30 PM EST
Closing keynote & reflections
Join us for a special closing keynote and reflections from the DarkSky board. Learn more →
Global opening & keynote
Friday, November 7, 5:00 – 6:30 PM EST
Global Welcome
Nalayini Brito-Davies
DarkSky Board President
Keynote Speaker
Lynne Peeples
Author, Journalist, & Statistician
Opening Remarks
Ruskin Hartley
DarkSky Executive Director
Opening overview:
The conference opens with host Roger Craig Smith—renowned voice actor and longtime DarkSky advocate—who will set the stage for an inspiring session. Nalayini Brito-Davies, DarkSky board president, will share insights on supporting DarkSky and New Zealand’s journey toward becoming a Dark Sky Nation, followed by Ruskin Hartley, DarkSky’s CEO, on the future of our growing movement.
The session concludes with a keynote by Lynne Peeples, award-winning science journalist and author of The Inner Clock. Lynne will explore the vital connection between dark skies and human health, revealing how artificial light disrupts our circadian rhythms and well-being. Through cutting-edge science and compelling storytelling, she offers fresh insights into why protecting the night is essential for both people and the planet.
Learn more about the speakers →
Join the global open:
This session will begin at 5:00 PM EST on Friday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
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| New York 05:00 PM | São Paulo 07:00 PM | London 10:00 PM | Cape Town 12:00 AM | Dubai 02:00 AM | New Delhi 03:30 AM | Beijing 06:00 AM | Sydney 09:00 AM |
Global networking
Friday, November 7, 6:30 – 7:30 PM EST
Networking overview:
Connect with advocates from around the world during this dynamic open networking session. This is your chance to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and share resources with peers who are equally passionate about protecting the night.
Learn more networking facilitators →
Join the networking hour:
This session will begin at 6:30 PM EST on Friday, November 7. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 06:30 PM | São Paulo 08:30 PM | London 11:30 PM | Cape Town 01:30 AM | Dubai 03:30 AM | New Delhi 05:00 AM | Beijing 07:30 AM | Sydney 10:30 AM |
Workshop one: Designing for a darker future
Friday, November 7, 8:00 – 9:15 PM EST
Workshop overview:
Learn practical strategies for building communities and environments that embrace dark sky principles. This workshop will provide actionable tools and insights to help you promote responsible lighting, foster local engagement, and protect the natural night where you live and work.
Learn more about the workshop facilitators →
Join this workshop:
This session will begin at 8:00 PM EST on Friday, November 7. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 08:00 PM | São Paulo 10:00 PM | London 1:00 AM | Cape Town 03:00 AM | Dubai 05:00 AM | New Delhi 06:30 AM | Beijing 09:00 AM | Sydney 12:00 PM |
Regional stories session: Asia-Pacific
Friday, November 7, 9:30 – 11:00 PM EST
Session overview:
Hear from advocates across the Asia-Pacific region as they share their stories, challenges, and successes. This session offers valuable insights into diverse approaches to protecting dark skies and fostering community-driven change.
Learn more about the speakers →
Join this session:
This session will begin at 9:30 PM EST on Friday, November 7. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 09:30 PM | São Paulo 11:30 PM | London 2:30 AM | Cape Town 4:30 AM | Dubai 06:30 AM | New Delhi 08:00 AM | Beijing 10:30 AM | Sydney 01:30 AM |
Workshop two: Science for global impact
Friday, November 7, 11:30 PM – Saturday, November 8, 12:45 AM EST
Workshop overview:
Dive into the latest research on light pollution, including underreported findings and key scientific gaps. This session will highlight emerging insights and explore where further study is needed to better understand and address the impacts of artificial light at night.
Learn more about the workshop facilitators→
Join this workshop:
This session will begin at 11:30 PM EST on Friday, November 7. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 11:30 PM | São Paulo 01:30 AM | London 04:30 AM | Cape Town 06:30 AM | Dubai 08:30 AM | New Delhi 10:00 AM | Beijing 12:30 PM | Sydney 03:30 PM |
Regional stories session: Middle East & South Asia
Saturday, November 8, 1:00 – 2:30 AM EST
Session overview:
Join advocates from the Middle East and South Asia as they share local perspectives and highlight initiatives driving dark sky conservation in their regions. This session offers unique insights into the challenges and successes shaping efforts to protect the night.
Learn more about the speakers →
Join this session:
This session will begin at 1:00 AM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 01:00 AM | São Paulo 03:00 AM | London 06:00 AM | Cape Town 08:00 AM | Dubai 10:00 AM | New Delhi 11:30 AM | Beijing 02:00 PM | Sydney 05:00 PM |
Workshop three: Astrotourism for conservation & economic development
Saturday, November 8, 3:00 – 4:15 AM EST
Workshop overview:
Discover how astrotourism can support conservation while creating economic opportunities for local communities. This session will explore practical approaches to developing sustainable tourism that celebrates the night sky and benefits both people and the environment.
Learn more about the workshop facilitators →
Join this workshop:
This session will begin at 3:00 AM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 03:00 AM | São Paulo 05:00 AM | London 08:00 AM | Cape Town 10:00 AM | Dubai 12:00 PM | New Delhi 01:30 PM | Beijing 04:00 PM | Sydney 07:00 PM |
Regional stories session: Europe & Africa
Saturday, November 8, 4:30 – 6:00 AM EST
Session overview:
Hear from advocates across Europe and Africa as they showcase ongoing regional efforts to protect dark skies. This session highlights innovative initiatives, shared challenges, and successes shaping advocacy across these diverse regions.
Learn more about the speakers →
Join this session:
This session will begin at 4:30 AM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 04:30 AM | São Paulo 06:30 AM | London 09:30 AM | Cape Town 11:30 AM | Dubai 01:30 PM | New Delhi 03:00 PM | Beijing 05:30 PM | Sydney 08:30 PM |
Global open rebroadcast
Saturday, November 8, 6:30 – 8:00 AM EST
Rebroadcast overview:
Catch a replay of the opening session, introduced and hosted by regional representatives. This session offers another chance to experience the kickoff of the conference and hear insights from voices around the globe.
Learn more about the session hosts →
Join the rebroadcast:
This session will begin at 6:30 AM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 06:30 AM | São Paulo 08:30 AM | London 11:30 AM | Cape Town 01:30 PM | Dubai 03:30 PM | New Delhi 05:00 PM | Beijing 07:30 PM | Sydney 10:30 PM |
Workshop four: Beyond the Streetlight — How We Light the Modern Night
Saturday, November 8, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM EST
Workshop overview:
This panel will explore emerging threats to the nighttime environment, from overly bright vehicle headlights to satellites designed to reflect light back toward Earth. Panelists will discuss how these developments contribute to light pollution, affect wildlife, and challenge efforts to preserve natural darkness, while highlighting research, policy solutions, and community actions to protect the night sky.
Learn more about the workshop facilitators →
Join this workshop:
This session will begin at 11:00 AM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 11:00 AM | São Paulo 01:00 PM | London 04:00 PM | Cape Town 06:00 PM | Dubai 08:00 PM | New Delhi 09:30 PM | Beijing 12:00 AM | Sydney 03:00 AM |
Regional stories session: North, Central, & South America
Saturday, November 8, 12:30 – 2:00 PM EST
Session overview:
Join advocates from across the Americas as they share powerful stories and personal experiences. This session is designed to inspire and showcase the impactful work being done to protect dark skies throughout the region.
Learn more about the speakers →
Join this session:
This session will begin at 12:30 PM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 12:30 PM | São Paulo 02:30 PM | London 05:30 PM | Cape Town 07:30 PM | Dubai 09:30 PM | New Delhi 11:00 PM | Beijing 01:30 AM | Sydney 04:30 AM |
DarkSky Awards ceremony
Saturday, November 7, 2:30 – 3:30 PM EST
Awards overview:
Celebrate the individuals and groups making a difference in night sky preservation during this annual awards ceremony. Join us as we announce this year’s Dark Sky Award winners and honor their outstanding contributions to protecting the natural night.
Learn more about the award presenters →
Join the awards ceremony:
This session will begin at 2:30 PM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 02:30 PM | São Paulo 04:30 PM | London 07:30 PM | Cape Town 09:30 PM | Dubai 11:00 PM | New Delhi 01:00 AM | Beijing 3:30 AM | Sydney 06:30 AM |
Global networking
Saturday, November 8, 3:30 – 4:30 PM EST
Networking overview:
Join us in an informal space to connect with fellow attendees following the awards ceremony. This is a chance to celebrate together, share ideas, and build new connections within the dark-sky community.
Learn more networking facilitators →
Join the awards ceremony:
This session will begin at 3:30 PM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 03:30 PM | São Paulo 05:30 PM | London 08:30 PM | Cape Town 10:30 PM | Dubai 12:30 AM | New Delhi 02:00 AM | Beijing 04:30 AM | Sydney 07:30 AM |
Closing keynote & reflections
Saturday, November 8, 5:00 – 6:30 PM EST
Closing overview:
Join us for a special closing keynote featuring reflections from the DarkSky Board. This session offers an opportunity to look back on the conference, celebrate shared accomplishments, and inspire the path forward as we set off to continue our shared mission to protect the night.
Learn more about the speakers →
Join the awards ceremony:
This session will begin at 5:00 PM EST on Saturday, November 8. To join, use the main Under One Sky 2025 Zoom Link provided to registered attendees.
Convert time & add to calendar →
| New York 05:00 PM | São Paulo 07:00 PM | London 10:00 PM | Cape Town 12:00 AM | Dubai 02:00 AM | New Delhi 03:30 AM | Beijing 06:00 AM | Sydney 09:00 AM |