Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Celebrates International Dark Skies Week April 15-22

Logan Gomes • Apr 05, 2023

NANTUCKET, MA—The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces it will celebrate the International Dark Skies Association’s (IDA) International Dark Sky week, slated for April 15-22, 2023. In honor of this event, the MMA will host a free public Stargazing Open Night at Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street Extension, on Thursday, April 20, from 8-9pm. 

 

International Dark Sky Week was founded in 2003 by then-high school student, Jennifer Barlow, with the goals of reducing light pollution and raising awareness about its effects on the night sky, encouraging the usage of better and safer nighttime lighting systems, and promoting the study of astronomy. The mission of the IDA is to promote, “win-win solutions that allow people to appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting.”

 

“At thirty miles out to sea, far enough away from major metropolitan areas, the island is relatively sheltered from the negative impacts of urban light pollution,” states Dr. Regina Jorgenson, the MMA’s Director of Astronomy. “ Visitors to the island often remark that it’s here on this island that they first saw the magnificent Milky Way stretching across the night sky.“

 

You can find more information about the IDA at their website: https://idsw.darksky.org/ and about Nantucket Lights at their website: https://nantucketlights.org/.


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.


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For Immediate Release

April 6, 2023

Contact: Logan Gomes, Director of Advancement

lgomes@mariamitchell.org

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