Maria Mitchell Association Logo

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

Logan Gomes • April 5, 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.


###

For Immediate Release

April 6, 2023

Contact: Logan Gomes, Director of Advancement

lgomes@mariamitchell.org

Recent Posts

April 1, 2025
NANTUCKET, MA—In celebration of 2025 International Dark Sky Week, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Lights, and the Maria Mitchell Association invite the community to an unforgettable evening of stargazing at Altar Rock in the Middle Moors. This free, family-friendly event, set for April 23, 2025, provides a rare opportunity to experience Nantucket at night and gain a deeper appreciation for the environmental significance of dark skies and how to preserve them.  Guided by expert stargazers, attendees will explore the night sky — all its constellations and celestial wonders — in a pristine, low-light environment. This collaborative community event presents an ideal opportunity to connect with nature, engage with like-minded individuals, and be inspired by the beauty of the night. Advance registration is strongly encouraged for weather-related updates. Event Details: • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Rain/Cloud Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 • Time: 8:00PM – 9:30PM • Location: Altar Rock, Middle Moors, Nantucket • Parking: Free parking will be available along Altar Rock Road, with volunteers on hand to guide attendees to the event site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. • Registration link: http://support.nantucketconservation.org/site/Calendar?id=101941&view=Detail • Open to all ages. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, children must be accompanied by at least one adult. • Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for current weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear, as the event will involve a short walk up to Altar Rock. For added comfort, we recommend bringing blankets or chairs. About International Dark Sky Week: International Dark Sky Week is a global initiative of DarkSky International to celebrate the dark and natural night sky, raise awareness about light pollution, and promote the use of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting during the week of the new moon in April each year. About the Nantucket Conservation Foundation: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline, conserves Nantucket’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and species. Through conservation, education, and stewardship, the Foundation aims to maintain Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and natural beauty for future generations. About Nantucket Lights: Nantucket Lights is an all-volunteer citizen advocacy group committed to preserving and protecting Nantucket’s nighttime environment and heritage of dark skies by raising awareness about light pollution on the island and advocating for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. About the Maria Mitchell Association: The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. 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. ###
April 1, 2025
“If you don’t look, you don’t see. You have to go and look.” -Edith Andrews
By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger March 24, 2025
I have posted this during Women’s History Month before but because it is March and Women’s History Month, I think it’s worth repeating. It’s clever and helps to tell an important story in women’s history while giving it a bit of a 21 st century twist. It comes via the National Women’s History Project. http://soomopublishing.com/suffrage/ JNLF
Show More
Share by: