Preserving and Enjoying Dark Skies

Short December days mean more time for stargazing! Join us for an online presentation about the value of dark skies and what to look for in winter solstice and December skies. Our two guest presenters will help us understand why protecting dark skies is important and how you can best enjoy them in the Driftless Area.

Following a 30 minute presentation, 15 minutes will be allowed for questions and answers.

GUEST STARS:

Lynda Schweikert is an amateur astronomer with the Iowa County Astronomers, dark sky warrior with the International Dark Sky Association, and was recently named Dark Sky Ambassador with the International Astronomical Union. She enjoys doing astronomical outreach programs, sharing her telescope to show others the wonders of the night sky. Driftless Dark Skies appears monthly in the Voice of the River Valley. She also serves as Head of Grant County's Conservation, Sanitation, and Zoning Department.

John Heasley is an experienced stargazer and astronomy educator with Driftless Stargazing LLC and volunteers with NASA/JPL as a Solar System Ambassador and with International Astronomical Union as a Dark Sky Ambassador. John teaches and inspires people of all ages at Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Taliesin, and UW-Richland. He shares his love of the starry skies at events, gatherings, and celebrations. He has created “star parties” for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, business conferences, farm-to-table dinners, and outdoor concerts. John taught English for 30 years in The Netherlands, Boston, Madison, and Richland Center. He received training as a space educator through Space Education Initiatives and Arizona State University Mars Education Program.  He was first wowed by the stars at the Fels Planetarium in Philadelphia and the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

For more information about stargazing in southwest WI, like Driftless Stargazing LLC on Facebook and find out whenever there’s something awesome happening in the skies. 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS FREE EVENT BEFORE END OF DAY DECEMBER 16. All registrants will receive an email containing a link to the Zoom presentation on the day before the scheduled start time.