Festival will include stargazing with local astronomers
On Saturday, February 27, the Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management and Parks & Recreation departments will “celebrate the night and turn down the lights” by hosting the fourth annual Dark Sky Festival at Okeeheelee Nature Center from 6-10 p.m.
The purpose of the Dark Sky Festival is to expose citizens to the marvels of astronomy and the importance of protecting dark skies, not just for astronomy purposes, but also for the effects on human health and the values that darkness provides to area wildlife. The festival will include stargazing with local astronomers, night time photography lectures, exhibits, vendors, nature walks, a children’s activity area, food trucks, a campfire and more.
Additionally, American Medical Association councilmember Dr. Mario E. Motta will discuss light pollution and human health including the strengthening link between light pollution and breast cancer. Shari Blissett-Clark, a member of the Florida Bat Conservancy Board will lecture about the importance of bats in our environment and have live bats on exhibit. And new this year will be the premier of the short film, “Pitch Black Light, A Journey Through America’s Darkest Skies” featuring stunning night-sky time-lapse images captured across the country by local artist Max Jackson.
The event is free, family friendly and enjoyable for all ages. Additional support for this event is provided by the International Dark Sky Association-South Florida.
