Cultural astronomer, Danielle Adams, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition (FDSC). Her role will involve overseeing the organization’s efforts to protect the night sky over Flagstaff, Arizona from light pollution, which is a key concern for astronomers who need dark skies for accurate observations. Adams’ expertise lies in cultural astronomy, an intersectional field that fuses astronomy and anthropology to understand how different cultures perceive and interact with the cosmos.
Adams comes with a rich background of experience in the field of astronomy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Master’s in Museum Studies from the University of Florida. She also has a certificate in Indigenous Studies. Prior to her appointment, Adams worked as Deputy Director at the Lowell Observatory, where she managed the observatory’s education, outreach, and visitor experience programs, among other responsibilities.
Adams’ unique blend of skills and experience makes her an ideal fit for the role. The FDSC, a non-profit organization, has been striving to preserve and protect the dark skies of Flagstaff since 1999. It engages in various activities including public education, policy advocacy, and fostering international dark sky preservation. The group’s efforts have been instrumental in Flagstaff’s recognition as the world’s first International Dark Sky City by the International Dark-Sky Association.
Adams is taking the helm at a critical time, as light pollution worldwide is on the rise due to urbanization and the increasing use of artificial lighting. Her work will involve not only technical aspects of preserving the dark skies but also educating the public about the importance of darkness for both astronomy and the natural world. She will also work towards fostering a culture of respect for the night sky, in line with her background in cultural astronomy.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen the coalition’s ability to protect the dark skies, which are not only a resource for astronomers, but also contribute to the unique identity and cultural heritage of Flagstaff. The FDSC hopes that under Adams’ leadership, the organization will continue to inspire people to value and protect dark skies around the world.
Adams is an active member of the Indigenous Education Institute and serves on the board of the Navajo Nation’s Dine Bikeyah Cultural Resources Protection program. Her commitment to blending scientific knowledge with cultural respect is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the FDSC’s work in dark sky preservation.
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