Celebrate the Night Sky Week

September 20th - 27th, 2024

Starry Skies North is pleased to announce our annual week of free public events that entertain, inform and raise awareness of the need to protect our night sky resources.

Throughout the world our night skies are becoming brighter due to overuse and poorly designed outdoor lighting. Light pollution has negative consequences for human, animal and environmental health in addition to negatively affecting scientific research and artistic inspiration and wonderment.

Our annual Celebrate the Night Sky Week offers an opportunity to explore and celebrate the work taking place to restore our night sky and to enjoy the sense of awe that has inspired poets, artists, and scientists throughout the ages! All events are free but donations are accepted to help the progress continue.

Highlight of the Week 2024

September 20th - Friday 9pm-11pm

Telescope Viewing Star Party at Barker's Island, Superior WI

Presented by Arrowhead Astronomy Society and Friends of Lake Superior Reserve

September 21st - Saturday 7pm

Night Sky Celebration - An Evening of Art, Story and Science

Fitgers - August Fitgers Room 3rd Floor

Enjoy spectacular Northern Lights photography by Travis Novitsky as he discusses his book Spirits Dancing created in collaboration with Annette Lee of Native Skywatchers.

Always entertaining, "Astro" Bob King will premier his new book The Magnificent Aurora which explores the history of our understanding of the Northern Lights - from myth to modern science.

Sam Zimmerman, award winning Ojibwe artist and author will introduce beautiful new works that celebrate the beauty of the northern landscape and wildlife and reflect on the stewardship of the Anishinaabe.

Saturday September 21st - 11am-3 pm

Great Lakes Aquarium

Aquatic Life and Light Pollution plus Children Activities

Learn about the importance of dark skies for animals and plants that live in our aquatic environment while exploring a variety of exhibits. Children activities from 11am - 3pm.

Wednesday Sept 25th 7pm

Free Planetarium Show at Alworth Planetarium UMD

All ages will enjoy this live, interactive, full-dome theater experience that explores our connection to the cosmos and the need to preserve the darkness of the night sky.