Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Winchester and Rappahannock events in April

Thursday, April 7th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Dark Sky Panel Discussion at the Winchester Book Gallery
Winchester, VA
Friday, April 22nd, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night and Laura Greenleaf, Va. chapter IDA at The Theatre in Little Washington, sponsored by Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection

JMU's Starry Nights Coming Up!

From Dr. Shanil Virani, director of the John C. Wells Planetarium 
at James Madison University
Starry Nights


By 2025 true darkness will have disappeared from skies. Is that our legacy? Can we light our campus better? #JMU2025 is an advocacy campaign to eliminate light pollution on JMU's campus spearheaded by students taking ENVT 400, a capstone course in light pollution co-taught by JMU English Professor Dr. Paul Bogard and John C. Wells Planetarium Director Shanil Virani. Our plan will improve campus safety, conserve energy and curb greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, save money, improve the beauty of the nocturnal campus, help JMU achieve its goal of being an engaged neighbor in its surrounding community, and equip JMU to become a national model of how to light a University campus in the 21st century.
Students in ENVT 400 are excited to present their semester-long research on light pollution and propose a solution that benefits our entire community. We would like to extend a personal invitation for you to attend our final capstone presentation entitled #JMU2025 on March 31 in Harrison 1261 at 7pm.
Other events that are part of our Starry Nights 2016 are:

Wednesday, March 30, 7:30 -- 9:30 pm
Screening of the award-winning documentary “The City Dark”. Before the film, Starry Nights creators Dr. Paul Bogard and Planetarium Director Shanil Virani will introduce the week and its events. Anthony Seeger Auditorium, James Madison University 

Thursday, March 31, 7:00 -- 8:30 pm
#JMU2025: Reimagining Campus Lighting Simulations of light pollution growth in the USA suggest by 2025 darkness will have disappeared from skies forever more. Is that our legacy? How can we light a campus that improves safety & security but is cost effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly? 10 JMU students taking ENVT 400 present how they would light their campus by 2025. Harrison Hall, Room 1261, James Madison University
 
Friday, April 1, 7:00 -- 9:00 pm
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Partnering with the John C. Wells Planetarium, the Headwaters Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum offer a free dark sky program. Come to enjoy a walk in the woods to explore  nature at night. The evening will start at the Frances Plecker Education Center.  Parking is limited so please consider carpooling.

Friday, April 1, 8:00 -- 10:00 pm
Public Star Party At JMU's Astronomy Park: public telescope observing on JMU's East Campus. Come see Jupiter, binary stars, and laser guided tour of the Valley sky! Visitors will also get a first-hand look of what light pollution looks like on JMU's campus.

Saturday, April 2, 8:00 -- 11:00 pm
Astrophotography & Star Party: The last event of Starry Nights 2016 will take place at Shenandoah National Park. The brightening of the night sky is not just limited to urban environments as the glow from cities now intrudes and disturbs the environments protected by our national parks. Join us for a workshop on astrophotography with acclaimed astrophotographer Daniel Stein and public star party at Big Meadow! Byrd Visitor Center, Shenandoah National Park




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