Preserving Dark Night Skies, From Maine to the Far-Off Milky Way: Reasons for Their Conservation
Did you catch the ethereal sight of the northern lights this year? Or maybe the rare, once-in-80,000-year comet gracing our skies? At AMC, we firmly believe in preserving the beauty of dark skies as a natural resource. Why's that, you ask? Dark skies have a far-reaching impact on our planet that might come as a surprise. Missed AMC's "See the Dark" festival earlier this fall? Don't worry — we've got you sorted with an overview of 2024's celestial events, stargazing tips, and ways to join our mission of preserving the dark.
Want to experience phenomenal stargazing? Head to the Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park — the only one in New England! Situated at the edge of the North Maine Woods, this expansive, uninhabited forest stretching from Monson to the Canadian border houses the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020. This is the darkest stretch of sky east of the Mississippi.
"Who'd have thought we'd need to safeguard the view of the sky?" says AMC's VP of Land, Research, and Trails, Steve Tatko. "It tells you how much we've lost our connection with the world around us. But protecting dark skies is a key step to reclaiming our ability to connect with our ancestry and sense of self."
With urban development claiming much of the Northeast, the Maine Woods Initiative is AMC's land conservation and multi-use recreation project in the famed 100-Mile Wilderness. This region, the largest contiguous expanse of undeveloped forest in the eastern United States, has essential significance for habitat connectivity, climate change resilience, migrating birds, and so much more.
"This is a forest that's evolved under the Wabanaki people," Tatko says. "Here, you can stand on the riverbanks and see the same sky they did 7,000 years ago. Darkness has always been prevalent."
In association with the North Maine Woods association, AMC has installed dark-sky-compliant lighting at their sites and checkpoints. For Greenville, helping save a whopping $10,000 in the first year, we've modified 188 streetlights, putting the emphasis on the boundless beauty of the night sky. Plus, we have two new conservation projects in the works to bolster the Maine Woods Dark Sky Park: the 27,000-acre Pleasant River Headwaters Forest and the 28,000-acre Barnard Forest.
Why Defend Dark Skies?
Artificial lighting after dark disrupts the habits of nocturnal animals, making them more vulnerable to predators, altering migration patterns for birds, sea turtles, and butterflies, and even affecting deciduous trees' seasonal cycles. It's bad news for humans, too, causing disruptions to our circadian rhythm and increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, and breast cancer, among other health concerns.
The night sky has inspired our ancestors in science, literature, art, religion, and philosophy. Unfortunately, 80% of people worldwide cannot see the Milky Way, and 99% of Americans live in places affected by light pollution. The next generations are losing touch with their common heritage.
"We get used to human interference in our sensory realities without thinking," Tatko says. "We should empower people to embrace the discomfort, to reclaim their right to be in the dark."
saving-the-dark
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places program encourages communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to be stewards of the night through rigorous applications, responsible lighting policies, public education, and the installation of dark-sky-friendly products. Through the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), you can find resources to assess your outdoor lighting for efficiency, learn about dark-sky-friendly products, and help preserve the night.
ABC members and active participation in dark sky community science research make a significant difference. Through the IDA, you can join point-in-time surveys, guided star counts, and other initiatives to contribute to the preservation of dark skies.
Ready for a truly awe-inspiring experience? Head to AMC's Medawisla Lodge & Cabins and immerse yourself in the darkest sky in the East.
4 Exciting Ways to Connect with the Dark
- Optimize Your Night Sky Viewing
- Check the weather before setting out to ensure clear skies.
- Aim for new moon nights for the darkest sky, and take advantage of a light pollution map to find the darkest areas.
- Bring a blanket, low-powered flashlight (with a red light setting), and maybe a telescope to ogle distant galaxies. Utilize apps to guide your gaze.
- Join AMC's Family of Dark Sky Protectors
- Be an AMC member: your support keeps the AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park thriving.
- Donate: contribute to restoring and conserving more dark sky areas.
- Educate Others
- Share AMC's work and the importance of dark skies with your friends and family.
- Encourage your community to adopt dark-sky-friendly practices and regulations.
- Engage in Dark Sky Research
- Collaborate with AMC on scientific research to monitor light pollution and its effects.
- Participate in IDA's events and activities to learn more about the night sky and how to preserve it.
"With the increasing urban development, it's imperative to appreciate and protect the natural wonders of environmental-science, such as the dark skies, which connect us to our ancestry and sense of self in science, literature, art, and philosophy."
"One way to actively contribute to education-and-self-development is by joining AMC's mission of preserving the staggering expanse of the Maine Woods Dark Sky Park, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, where you can witness the awe-inspiring Milky Way and gain a better understanding of the importance of sustainable lifestyle practices in maintaining this natural resource."
