EYES TO THE SKY April 20 – May 3, 2020 ~ International Dark Sky Week

Posted on
EYES TO THE SKY
April 20 – May 3, 2020
Not to be missed: International Dark Sky Week programs reach us at home.
Now in progress, International Dark Sky Week IDSW, April 19-26: The International Dark-Sky Association invites us — with a special nod to homebound families — to engage with dynamic authors, educators, artists, and scientists from around the world. The distinguished presenters are excited to share their passion for astronomy, our cultural connection to the stars, life in the dark, and how we can work together to protect the night.
Presentations are broadcast live every day this week. Find selections from the schedule below and the complete program at idsw.darksky.org, or follow onYouTube or Facebook. Special opportunities for young adults.
Everyday: Observe the colorful, meditative moments of sunsets and sunrises. This week sunset is around 7:30; sunrise around 6 o’clock. Brilliant planet Venus rather high in the west at dusk; sets just after 11pm.
Today’s IDSW schedule begins at noon with “The Role of Art in Conservation” with astronomer and artist Tyler Nordgren. Art as a form of education to encourage people to seek out awe and protect the night. Download free Zoom background image.
Half the Park is After Dark by astronomer-artist Dr. Tyler Nordgren
Wednesday the 22nd (and everyday): Earth Day
Thursday, April 23, 1pm: “SKYGLO Project” with Harun Mahmadenovic. Tune in to @idadarksky on Facebook or YouTube to watch live. Submit questions using hashtag #IDSW2020.
Friday, April 24 & everyday: “The Lost Constellations” with John Barentine. The lost constellations are important today because they teach us how humans tried to impose a sense of order and structure on the night sky. They may also have something to tell us about the night sky of the future. John will speak about a different lost constellation every day during IDSW.
Saturday the 25th at 7am: “Astrophotography 101” with Bettymaya Foott – Astrophotography for beginners! Any basic camera can capture night sky images. Come learn how you too can take pictures of the night sky with your basic DSLR camera setup
Bettymaya Foote, IDA presenter, Astrophotography 101. Photo courtesy of International Dark Sky Association darksky.org
In closing, the mighty hunter, Orion, and the Great Dog, marked by the brightest star in Earth’s heavens, Sirius the Dog Star, appear much larger now that they are close above the horizon at nightfall. Be sure to bid them a fond farewell.
Resources and Opportunities to Participate
Judy Isacoff