Dark Sky Events April 20-29

Dark skies are something we appreciate in the outback, when the full canopy of glittering stars are drawn over us. For those of us in suburbs and cities, the experience of dark skies is becoming rarer and rarer as light pollution encroaches.

International Dark Sky Week is an initiative of the International Dark Sky Association which aims to raise awareness of this issue, and runs from April 20-26 (April 21-27 in Australia). Why not check your local  astronomical societies or the local planetariums and see if they are running dark sky events.

There is also the 5th International Earth and Sky Photo Contest on Dark Skies Importance, closing April 22 (April 23 Australia) it is a great opportunity to submit your dark sky images.

At the same time Globe at Night is running another of its global light pollution surveys  from April 20 to April 29. This is good time to help find map the extent of light pollution around the world and how it is changing.

It might also be a good time to read this interview with renowned Australian astronomer Fred Watson on taking back the night sky.

As well, although not light pollution related, on April 22 (April 23 in Australia) NASA will be taking a Global Selfie for Earth Day. So get out and get snapping, and send your selfies in to the Global Selfie social media sites.