Get Ready to See The Dark
The dark gets a bad rap. Some are afraid of it. Many more do everything they can to cast it out. And we’re not talking just metaphors.
But with 99% of the US population living someplace with the sky obscured by light pollution, few get to experience the true wonder of the night sky. Some may think it is only visible in some far-off place. Some may think it is something from the past. Strangely enough, that leaves many people in the dark about, well, the dark.
The Appalachian Mountain Club’s “See the Dark” project is seeking to change that.
Finding Inspiration in the Stars
In a world where artificial lights dominate the night sky, one artist is shedding light on a story of contrasts. Jenny Ward, AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park lead, joined forces with Tim Mudie, AMC Senior Editor, to co-author If You Can See the Dark, a richly illustrated children’s book that explores the benefits of dark skies.
How to Protect the Night Sky
Light pollution is a widespread problem that is associated with many threats to human health and the environment, from disrupted circadian rhythms and insomnia to habitat destruction. Many environmental problems can seem insurmountable – issues…
What Is a Dark Sky?
When you look at the sky at night, what do you see? Until a few generations ago, people everywhere saw the same thing. A sky filled with stars, planets, and galaxies. Today, if you’re like…
Visitors See the Dark at AMC’s Inaugural Dark Sky Festival
Participants enjoying the See the Dark Festival at Medawisla in the Maine Woods.
The Beauty We Can No Longer See
Jessica Doonan, Manager of Accessibility at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, visits the Medawisla Lodge in the northern Maine woods and offers this sensory-rich description of the night sky.
Experiencing the Dark Sky with AMC
The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Wilderness Lodges provide a unique experience for visitors to truly get lost in nature.
In Their Eyes: Three Kids Learn To See The Dark
Watch as three kids go from a starless sky in the city to seeing the Milky Way in the Maine Woods.
AMC Is Featured In Maine Magazine
MAINE magazine recently featured the stargazing opportunities at AMC’s Maine Woods property in its latest issue.
The Importance of Dark Skies
The Appalachian Mountain Club envisions a world where our natural resources are healthy, loved, and always protected— and that includes the night sky. AMC Interim President & CEO Susan Arnold explains the importance of conserving the dark sky.
AMC To Host “See The Dark” Festival In Maine
Scheduled around the New Moon for optimal stargazing, the festival will provide the opportunity for guests to learn more about dark sky conservation and strengthen their appreciation of the ways in which they can make an impact.
Measuring The Night Sky
It’s dark out. We hear that a lot. But how do you measure the darkness of the night sky? And does it vary from place to place.
Why are we afraid of the dark?
The dark gets a bad rap. Some are afraid of it. Many more do everything they can to cast it out. And we’re not talking just metaphors. So, why are we afraid of the dark?
AMC’s Maine Woods Property Certified as an International Dark Sky Park
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) announced that the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods property has become the first International Dark Sky Park in New England.
Best Stargazing in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic United States
Plenty of locations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England offer exceptionally dark skies for stargazing and, in the case of the following six parks, compelling educational programs suited for well-versed stargazers and budding astronomers alike.
Depicting the Night Sky
Interpretations of the night sky are as varied as the stars above. Artists have used many different techniques and mediums to convey their experiences with the dark.
The Surprising Benefits of the Dark to Your Health
This may come as a surprise for many, but being in the dark is good for you. Mammals—humans included—require exposure to both light and darkness to regulate our bodies.
Preserving the Dark Skies of the Maine Woods
AMC’s Maine Woods holds a unique role in the preservation of night sky—nestled within a more secluded part of northern Maine, it’s in the heart of one of few remaining dark skies in the Eastern United States.
