Monte Nido celebrates International Dark Sky Week 2024!
Did you know that Monte Nido is a Dark Sky Community? You may have received a mailer in your mailbox asking you to join us in observing Dark Sky Week, from April 2-8, a worldwide celebration of the dark and natural night where we turn off the lights and look up at the stars! And this year it leads up to the solar eclipse on April 8th, live-streamed by NASA!
Led by Dark Sky International, the week will have participants from across the globe sharing resources, education, and images of the night sky. Here’s how you can join the fun:
TAKE THE PLEDGE to protect the night and follow the five steps of responsible outdoor lighting, then recruit your friends and neighbors and help raise awareness.
ATTEND THE FREE LECTURE SERIES throughout the week, each day at 11 am PDT, and learn why we need dark skies. Each night will focus on a different theme:
Tuesday, 4/2: DarkSky: Our Vision for 2024
Wednesday, 4/3: The Impact of Artificial Lights on Insects
Thursday, 4/4: Navajo Perspectives on the Night Sky
Friday, 4/5: Astrophotography with and without Light Pollution
Sunday, 4/7: The Mind After Midnight: Light, Sleep, and Circadian Disruption
Monday, 4/8: View NASA’s Solar Eclipse Livestream
GET OUT AT NIGHT! Whether it’s a night hike or sitting on the porch with friends, take time to get your community and environment at night. Share your experience (add the hashtag #darkskyweek)! Here are some ideas from darksky.org:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE Post a photo and be sure to add the hashtag #darkskyweek.
Each day this coming week, we’ll share more information and resources that will help you discover the night. Stay tuned!
