AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The fifth annual Hill Country Night Sky Month is here. The October celebration affords people the chance to enjoy one of the region's most beloved features, the star-filled sky. The Hill Country Alliance (HCA) and dozens of partners make this a community-wide event. They encourage groups to host events and offer an event toolkit to help those in planning, promoting, and hosting events. The HCA also offers a calendar that allows people to submit an event and to learn more about Night Sky Month events. Night Sky Month raises awareness on the need to protect the night sky. Enthusiasts will learn the effects of light pollution and what to do to eliminate it. Tips will be offered on how to update outdoor lightning. KXAN Meteorologist Rich Segal spoke with Dawn Davies, Night Sky Program Manager, about all the wonderful Night Sky Month events that will happen this October. That interview can be viewed in the video player at the top of this article. On Oct. 1, the HCA opened applications for financial assistance through the Night Sky Preservation Fund. It's an opportunity for citizens across the Texas Hill Country wanting to do good work to improve outdoor lighting and reduce light pollution. The funding is for regional nonprofit organizations, sole proprietorships, local governments, and small businesses.