Dark Sky Week Lecture

Join us as we celebrate International Dark Sky Week with a lecture from Bill Kowalik Ph.D., our local representative of the Oregon International Dark Sky Association, at 8pm on April 18th in the Pozzi Building at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory campus. After this lecture, we will host a viewing party using the telescopes next door at the Observatory. We hope to see you there! Few sights are as awe-inspiring as viewing the splendor of the clear night sky in a location removed from impactful light pollution. The light which comes from planets, stars, and even other galaxies, travels unfathomable distances through space, and without competition from our lights here on Earth, it shines all the more brilliant and clear. International Dark Sky Week, occurring April 15 - 22, 2023, provides a chance for us all to consider the negative impacts of light pollution and an opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of the night sky. Light pollution is a serious issue with far-reaching negative consequences:

• Increased and wasted energy consumption.
• Disrupting the daily cycle of light and dark rhythm which govern life-sustaining behaviors. Artificial light has been shown to have a determinantal and even deadly effect on amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants.
• Disrupting the circadian rhythm in humans can harm their health.

Started in 2003, the annual International Dark Sky Week is organized by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), a non-profit organization that works to protect the night environment and promote responsible outdoor lighting. The goal of International Dark Sky Week is to educate the public about the negative impacts of light pollution, inspire people to take action to reduce light pollution in their communities and encourage individuals and organizations to become advocates for preserving the natural night sky.