Discover the Night

 

The most important thing you can do to protect the night is to learn about it!

Join us as we discover the night together through our special Night Matters lecture series. Hear directly from subject matter experts and dark sky advocates about the importance of the dark and natural night.

Also, be sure to explore the night on your own, or hold a small event with friends and family! Check out our suggestions below! 

 

Night Matters Lecture Series

Be sure to register for each lecture and save the date correctly on your calendar. Lectures will be held at 11 AM MST (11 AM PDT, 12 PM MDT, 1 PM CDT, 2 PM EDT and 6 PM UTC).

 

DarkSky: Our Vision for 2024

Tuesday, April 2 @ 11 AM PDT (6 PM UTC)

While DarkSky International is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, it is truly a global organization with employees and team members spread across the globe. Tune into our Tuesday special Night Matters to learn directly from the DarkSky team about what we do! 

Register Now

 

The Impact of Artificial Lights on Insects

Wednesday, April 3 @ 11 AM PDT (6 PM UTC)

Dr. Avalon Owens will speak about the impact of artificial light on insects and what it means for insect conservation. Dr. Owens will also share why insect conservation is important and how we can help!

Register Now

 

Navajo Perspectives on the Night Sky

Thursday, April 4 @ 11 AM PDT (6 PM UTC)

Ravis belongs to the Towering House Clan and is born for the Coyote Pass-Jemez Clan of the Navajo Tribe. During his talk, Ravis will offer unique insight into the Navajo/Diné perspective on the night sky.

Register Now

 

Astrophotography With and Without Light Pollution

Friday, April 5 @ 11 AM PDT (6 PM UTC)

Mark is the President Emeritus of the Minnesota Astronomical Society and an avid astronomer. Operating observatories in Minnesota and Texas, Mark captures stunning celestial imagery, from auroras to distant galaxies. With the upcoming eclipse, Mark will delve into the art of photographing bright celestial objects and provide a behind-the-scenes look at his preparation for capturing the eclipse and possibly a comet, too.

Register Now

 

The Mind After Midnight: Light, Sleep, and Circadian Disruption

Sunday, April 7 @ 11 AM PDT (6 PM UTC)

Kat will guide us through the science of sleep and how light exposure regulates our internal clocks, shedding light on the vital connection between our environment and our well-being. She will also discuss the significant health consequences of disrupting these natural patterns, offering insights into how we can align our daily lives with our circadian rhythm for optimal health.

Register Now

 

 

Get out at Night

For this International Dark Sky Week we encourage you to get outside at night! Whether going out for a night hike in a nearby International Dark Sky Park, or simply sitting on the back porch with friends with the lights out, take time to get to know your community and environment at night. Wherever you go... be sure to post about it (add the hashtag #darkskyweek)!

  

Here are some easy activities to get you started!

 

1. Get out for sunset and stick around a little longer.

Did you know there are three twilights? Civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight. After the sun sinks below the horizon, notice how the colors change in the sky as the twilights blend into one another. Learn about the three twilights.

Do you notice how your ability to see colors changes? While your ability to see colors decreases, you may notice your ability to see in the dark increases. Check out this suggested activity from Scientific American, try it out as you discover the night.

 

2. Look to the stars.

As the stars begin to shine, count how many stars you can see. Can you find any constellations? There are a number of apps available at your fingertips to help you navigate the sky. Our favorite is [link to come].

 

3. Take your backyard stargazing to the next level.

Beginning on 31 March 2024, and running for ten nights, the Globe at Night campaign asks participants to look up at the night sky, find the bright constellation Leo (N Hemisphere) or Crux (S Hemisphere) and then submit an observation as to which of a set of star maps most closely matches what they see. Measurements can be submitted on the report page, accessible through a computer or smartphone.

Scientists use these observations to measure and monitor how light pollution changes globally. 

 

4. Go on a night hike. 

Going for a night hike is one of the best ways to discover the nighttime environment. Check out REI's tips and tricks for going out on a successful post-sunset excursion.

 

5. Night cap cocktail (or mocktail) hour with friends.

International Dark Sky Week is all about getting out to learn about the night. This can be as simple as sitting outside with friends and family to enjoy the sounds, temperature, and sights of the nighttime environment.

We are holding an online cocktail contest and virtual cocktail hour! Learn more by visiting the event page: DarkSky Cocktail Hour. 

 

Whatever you do, don't forget to share it with the DarkSky community!

Snap a picture, and post it! Be sure to use the hashtag #DarkSkyWeek to be featured on this site.