Join us for one of the premier night sky events on the eastern seaboard. 30 January 2020: Dark Sky Maine is in the process of organizing as a State of Maine 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with a place of business of 341 Jefferson Road, Whitefield Maine 04353. “Experiencing the night skies here will take you back in time to the night skies first experienced by the Wabanaki 11,000 years ago and the many people who have followed in their footsteps,” said Katahdin Woods and Waters Superintendent Tim Hudson. For additional offerings both inside and outside the parks, including astronomical events, visit the Where to Stargaze and More Night! The Acadia Night Sky Festival is driven by volunteer power and support from a range of organizations. Please call ahead for individual park hours. Due to public health concerns and safety protocols limiting large group gatherings, the 12th annual Acadia Night Sky Festival is being postponed until September 2021. With workshops, internationally recognized speakers and hands-on experiences, there truly is something for everyone from families to the serious amateur astronomer. A Natural Monument, A Dark Sky Sanctuary The Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument is known for its hiking, paddling and all-around epic outdoor recreation. Here, the Milky Way shines bright in the largest expanse of naturally dark sky east of the Mississippi River. PATTEN, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is now a “dark sky” sanctuary, the National Park Service announced Friday. This spring the park was added to the shortlist of International Dark Sky Sanctuaries. The Park Service is working with the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters on the seventh annual Stars Over Katahdin celebration, now scheduled for September. Only a dozen locations around the world have received this designation from the International Dark-Sky Association , an organization devoted to preserving and protecting the nighttime environment through responsible outdoor lighting. Twice each year we’ll send you the latest news about the festival including upcoming speakers, event details, and new initiatives being supported by the festival. Dark Sky Maine Newsletter; Observing Sites. Here, the Milky Way shines bright in the largest expanse of naturally dark sky east of the Mississippi River. Maine’s spectacular rocky coast is home to Acadia National Park, and some of the last pristine, star-filled night skies in the eastern United States. As a result, the BHCC proceeded to develop over the course of the following two years a local ordinance that required ‘night sky friendly’ outdoor lighting on all new construction in the town of Bar Harbor, in an effort to prevent any further light pollution to our local skies. Maine’s spectacular rocky coast is home to Acadia National Park, and some of the last pristine, star-filled night skies in the eastern United States. Ketchum, Idaho. Pressure: 1015 mb. Acadia National Park is one of the best spots for stargazing in New England, one of the biggest dark sky locations in the Eastern Seaboard, and one of the best national parks for stargazing in the country. The Acadia Night Sky Festival originated as an outcome of the enthusiasm of the local community and government over the adoption of a local ordinance. It is estimated that 99 percent of residents of the United States and Europe live under light polluted skies and nearly 80 percent of the world’s population experiences skyglow at night. We are Dark Sky RV Campground offering a new way to RV. Designated in 2015, the park attracts thousands of visitors who wish to enjoy an unpolluted night sky. In case in-person gatherings are not allowed in September, Friends is preparing a virtual version of the event. Turn off the lights and look up! Arunah Hill Natural Science Center, 218 Trouble St Cummington, MA The Appalachian Trail An IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania. The land may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner (s) consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to … The current ANSF planning committee is made up of representatives from the Emera Astronomy Center, The Jackson Laboratory, Jesup Memorial Library, Mount Desert Island High School, the National Park Service, Seal Cove Auto Museum, and the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. The designation by the International Dark-Sky Association is the first of its kind along the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., the second in the National Park Service and the 12th such designation in the world. In 2007, the Bar Harbor Conservation Commission (BHCC), held their biennial Conservation Summit; it was here that the need to preserve the night skies over Mount Desert Island and its surrounding communities as the darkest skies on the Eastern seaboard, was first brought to light. The Park Service describes the area as “awe-inspiring,” with glittering stars and planets and occasional displays of the aurora borealis. This will allow all of us to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! While programs and festivals help people appreciate dark skies where they exist, the IDA aims to push the agenda further, not only with its rigorous International Dark Sky Park certification, but also with its legislative efforts, night-sky-friendly light fixture standards and educational materials (including a newsletter for kids with jokes and puzzles). Top Maine Sponsors: Dick Post: Astronomical Society of Northern New England: George Palermo: Clear Sky Charts in Maine. 1 /4. This distinction recognizes “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” according to the International Dark-Sky Association. A dark-sky preserve (DSP), also known as a dark sky reserve, is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory, that restricts artificial light pollution. Help us celebrate the starlit skies of Downeast Maine through education, science and the arts. With the rapid loss of dark skies to light pollution receiving national attention, Maine is increasingly being referred to as one place “that still has stars.” We invite you to discover Downeast Maine’s unique commitment to protecting the quality of its starlit nights at this annual celebration. The park’s management has established conservation measures such as the use of night-sky friendly lights in the night. The incredible landscape and dark skies of Maine offer great opportunities for amateur and professional astrophotographers alike to capture awe-inspiring images of the night sky. The Acadia Night Sky Festival is a community celebration to promote the protection and enjoyment of Downeast Maine’s stellar night sky as a valuable natural resource through education, science and the arts. The campsites in this state park are nice, but it is the dark … I also see some nice Dark Blue areas not too far from here...an accessible hilltop farm I know in Freedom. Acadia National Park | Mount Desert Island, Maine One of the most scenic locations along the Eastern seaboard is also one of New England’s premier stargazing spots: Acadia National Park. The popularity of this effort among both local communities and government drew such incredible support that in 2009, the ‘Bar Harbor Ordinance – Light and Glare’ was voted in by a landslide popular vote. FILE - In this Aug. 9, 2017, file photo, stars rotate in the night sky over the East Branch of the Penobscot River, in this time exposure at the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument near Patten, Maine. Dark Sky by Apple App Maps Dark Sky API Help ← Go Back Wind: 14 mph ↑ Humidity: 53 % Dew Pt: 39 ˚ UV Index: 0. 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