The 2020 IDA Award Recipients

LDS IDA 400

Oct 19, 2020

Each year, the International Dark-Sky Association recognizes and celebrates the incredible achievements of individuals and groups who are committed to our mission to preserve the night. As leaders in their communities, the awardees play a key role in strengthening the global dark sky movement and empowering others to join the fight against light pollution.

This year IDA’s Crawford-Hunter Lifetime Achievement Award went to John Hearnshaw of New Zealand. 

The Crawford-Hunter Lifetime Achievement Award represents the highest honor that IDA bestows upon individuals who, in the course of their lifetime, have contributed an extraordinary effort to light pollution abatement.

John Hearnshaw FRSNZ, FRASNZ, MNZM (New Zealand)

John Hearnshaw is a New Zealand astronomer and Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. From 1976 to 2008, this 2020 IDA Award Recipient was Director of Mt John Observatory. During this time, he took steps to protect the observatory from encroaching outdoor lighting from the nearby Tekapo Village. Specifically, he lobbied the Mackenzie District Council to include lighting regulations in their District Plan. This goal was achieved in 1981.John Hearnshaw 2 300x169

In 2010, these regulations were extended to include a large expansion of land inclusive of the town of Twizel. Consequently, this regulation’s control of light led to the 2012 designation of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (AMIDSR). After this success, John formed the AMIDSR Board and was elected Chair, a role he continues to hold to this day. He is the driving force for the board, especially in organizing Starlight Festivals in 2013, 2015, and 2017. Under John’s leadership, the AMIDSR was awarded the International Dark-Sky Association Dark Sky Place of the Year 2018.

Then, in 2019, John was the principal organizer of the New Zealand Starlight Conference. This IDA sponsored conference brought together participants from different backgrounds to discuss the inter-related themes of dark-sky protection. These themes include the effects of artificial light at night on star-gazing, the environment, and human health. John is an active member of the International Astronomical Union. He is especially involved with education, outreach, and protection of the night sky. Additionally, he is a member of IUCN Dark Sky Advisory Group. Further, John is the National Focal Point for New Zealand in the UNESCO Astronomy and World Heritage Initiative.

Go HERE for the full list of award recipients 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • RENO Lighting Announces New Vice President of Sales

    RENO Lighting Announces New Vice President of Sales

    It is with great excitement that RENO Lighting introduces Jean-Claude Lespérance as Vice President of Sales at RENO Lighting. With over 35 years of experience in the Canadian electrical industry, Jean-Claude brings extensive knowledge of the market and strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. Holding a college diploma in Electrodynamics and a… Read More…

  • Contact Delage Announces New Partnership with Zilux

    Contact Delage: New Representation Agreement – Zilux

    Contact Delage is pleased to announce a new partnership with Zilux for the representation of their products in the regions of Montreal, Laval, Estrie, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Montérégie. Specializing in the design of aluminum lighting and urban furniture, Zilux, a Quebec-based manufacturer, combines innovation and durability to enhance your outdoor design projects. Their expertise in… Read More…


Design

  • Artika: Spring Kitchen Lighting Tips

    Artika: Spring Kitchen Lighting Tips

    After a long winter, spring is finally here to make our world feel bright and full of life, and some well-thought-out tweaks to your kitchen lighting can do the same for your home! These relatively simple changes can not only make your kitchen more functional but can also bring together the overall look and feel… Read More…

  • Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Traditionally, lighting design could be a tedious process, often involving physical mockups, time-consuming calculations, and static renderings using multiple software tools. With advancing technology, these traditional methods are giving way to more sophisticated tools that enhance precision, speed, and visualization. On the downside, many of the new tools are not particularly intuitive and the learning… Read More…


New Products

  • Intermatic: ALC4-R 4-Channel 0-10 V Lighting Controller

    Intermatic: ALC4-R 4-Channel 0-10 V Lighting Controller

    The ALC4-R lighting controller is a four-channel 0-10 V dimming controller designed to work with ARISTA Lighting Control System by Intermatic. These units can work with either 0-10 V or 1-10 V lighting fixtures, including LED’s. Once installed, the ALC4-R unit(s) can be configured to work off of either scheduling, sensing, or a combination of… Read More…

  • Amico: Lunar Night Light – Behavioral Series

    Amico: Lunar Night Light – Behavioral Series

    Behavioral Health Lunar Series Night Lights bring a soft, low-level illumination to the patient room allowing clinical staff and patients to navigate safely in the dark, evening hours. The unique faceplate has minimal protrusion from the wall and provides even light distribution for optimal sight. For ultimate convenience, the Lunar Night Light is available with… Read More…