Virtual dark sky events next week
The International Dark Sky Association Montana Chapter will host virtual events to celebrate International Dark Sky Week on April 19-25.
The chapter strives to protect Montana’s heritage of star-filled nights by working with businesses, towns, groups, and individuals to keep our night skies dark and to help Montanans solve light pollution issues in both rural and urban areas.
International Dark Sky Week was created in 2003 by a high school student who wanted to raise awareness about light pollution. Since then, the effort has grown to become a worldwide event and a key component of Global Astronomy Month every April.
“Dark Sky Week is a great way to draw attention to the beauty of the night sky and invite them to also see the problems associated with light pollution,” says Board Chair John Ashley. “The nighttime environment is a crucial natural resource for all life on Earth. The glow of uncontrolled outdoor lighting has hidden the stars, radically changing the nighttime environment. We want to promote simple solutions for the well-being of all. We hope our virtual dark sky week can help educate and inspire those here in Montana to join the cause.”
Follow the state chapter’s social media channels for daily posts about the beauty of the dark sky and to learn how easy it is to fight light pollution, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MTDarkSkyIDA/ on Instagram at MTDarkSkyIDA and on Twitter at MTDarkSkyIDA.
For Montana Dark Sky Destinations email info.montana@darksky.org and request a free brochure featuring the locations in the state with the least amount of light pollution. The chapter requests recipients follow the governor’s directives regarding non-essential travel during this time.
Become a IDA member in April and enter into a drawing to win a signed copy of a 2021 Glacier After Dark calendar by visiting www.darksky.org. Winner will be notified via email and the prize will be mailed.
Night on Earth Watch Party on Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Join the chapter for a free, synchronized remote Netflix Party from the comfort of your own home on Earth Day. For more information, visit bitly.com/MontanaNightonEarth
Spring star parties and other events were canceled due to the governor’s orders on congregating and the IDA’s international directive to pause all outreach until mid-May. The chapter has created online offerings that are free, open to the public, and available remotely.
“While life on Earth has changed dramatically, the night sky has predictably kept its course,” says communications chair Jessica Shaw. “We know that the stars are constant and now, more than ever, their beauty can offer comfort and connection around the world.”
Come mid-July, Montana’s awe-inspiring night sky hopes to be center stage again at the Montana Learning Center’s inaugural Big Sky Star Festival. The three-day event will be held at the MLC campus at Canyon Ferry Lake near Helena, home to the largest public-use observatory in the state.
“We look forward to gathering with dark sky enthusiasts again soon, and until then, remember: the beautiful star-filled nights of Montana are still there for you,” Shaw said.
For more information, email info.montana@darksky.org or visit https://montana.darksky.ngo/