Everglades National Park Expands International Dark Sky Week to month-long celebration

Each year, International Dark Sky Week celebrates dark and natural night, while raising awareness of the effects of light pollution. This year, the week runs from April 2nd through 8th. Everglades National Park is expanding on the Dark Sky theme with a month-long Everglades Dark Sky Celebration.

Throughout the month, presentations and events will be held in Shark Valley, Flamingo and Royal Palm areas of the park. Information on these events is available on the park’s website. The Capstone event of the month will be a night photography workshop conducted by renowned local nature and fine art photographer Robert Chaplin. The event to be held on April 26th will focus on capturing the Lyrid Meteor Shower.

To sign up for the workshop go to https://evernpi.org. With over 70 chapters around the world, the Dark Sky Organization certifies and helps conserve dark sky places, two of these are in Florida. Close to us is Big Cypress National Preserve, and to the north is the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. The organization also certifies Dark Sky approved commercial, industrial, and residential outdoor lighting that reduces light pollution. It works with communities, governments, and professionals to allow them to make good choices in outdoor lighting.

The local chapter of Dark Sky partnered with over 30 organizations, including Miami Dade County, the City of Homestead, and Everglades National Park, to promote International Dark Sky Week and the Everglades Dark Sky Celebration. They emphasize the importance of dark skies not only to astronomy and star gazing, but also to wildlife such as sea turtles, birds, and even military aviation training.

For more information see https://www. evergladesdarksky.org. This is a well-timed event, coinciding with the total solar eclipse which took place April 8th. Spectators witnessed the ethereal beauty of the sun's corona shimmering around the moon's silhouette, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Millions gathered to witness this celestial phenomenon, marveling at the rare convergence of cosmic bodies and the fleeting moments of totality. It was a celestial event that left a lasting impression on all who witnessed its splendor.