Summer is just around the corner, and for many in the Great Lakes region, the coming season is synonymous with weekends at the beach, camping trips and — if you’re lucky — stargazing. There are many places in the Great Lakes where the skies are dark enough to enjoy the stars and planets overhead, but specific recognition for such places varies by state. There are, however, 14 locations throughout the Great Lakes region that have a variety of International Dark Sky designations ranging from sanctuaries and parks to communities and reserves. You can learn more about the designation types here, and check out a map of those places here.
In honor of International Dark Sky Week, Great Lakes Now caught up with Tom Oliver, an avid dark sky photographer and science educator. Oliver is based in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, near the Keewenaw Dark Sky Park. Below is an interview with Tom Oliver, shortened and condensed for clarity.
This lone white pine grows among the rocks just along the Lake Superior shore at Esrey Park, Keweenaw County. On this particular evening, I knew there was going to be an aurora display but I had no idea it was going to be as strong as it turned out. (Photo by Tom Oliver)
GLN: Why are dark sky parks important when it comes to protecting ecosystems?
TO: Dark sky parks work to tone down the harmful effects of light pollution and help nocturnal animals (bats, owls, moths, etc) continue their natural behaviors of hunting and mating. These places also help support bird migration, because many bird species migrate during the night and use stars, which can be visually obscured by light pollution, for navigation.
Artificial light can also disorient migrating birds, drawing them into unsafe airspace, collisions with buildings and causing exhaustion. In marine environments, light pollution disrupts the feeding patterns of zooplankton, which affects the entire aquatic food web. Additionally, many organisms have evolved with specific light cues that regulate their circadian rhythms which can be desynchronized by artificial light sources, causing altered biological behaviors and (ultimately) ecosystem instability.
GLN: What is the role of Northern Michigan or Upper Peninsula dark sky parks, in the larger regional framework of dark sky tourism in the Great Lakes?
There are many low, marshy areas throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and, to me, nothing quite represents those places more than cattails. (Photo by Tom Oliver)
TO: Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula dark sky parks provide unique stargazing experiences because of the low light pollution and large tracts of relatively wild lands, attracting star-gazing and nature-loving visitors from all over the country, which can boost the local economy. Additionally, dark sky parks offer educational events and workshops that engage the community and promote appreciation for nature. Working together, these parks enhance dark sky tourism and conservation, creating a network of protected areas dedicated to preserving the night sky.
GLN: Is dark sky tourism growing in popularity?
TO: Yes, dark sky tourism is indeed growing in popularity. Dark sky tourism offers meaningful, authentic and awe-inspiring experiences for people interested in stargazing, night photography and witnessing celestial events.
As urban and suburban areas expand (combined with the development of brighter, lower-cost lighting technology), truly dark skies are becoming rarer and more valuable to greater proportions of the human population, prompting people to travel farther and farther to experience star-filled night skies, aurora displays, comets and meteor showers.
Social media has also played a role (with people seeing stunning images of starry skies and celestial events) inspiring more people to explore dark sky destinations to try and see those things for themselves. It’s an interesting combination of environmental awareness, unique travel experiences and economic benefits that seems to be driving the growth of dark sky tourism.
GLN: How do dark sky parks support reduced light pollution?
TO: Dark sky parks strive to lower light pollution through various initiatives. They work with interested local governments, organizations, businesses, etc… to implement lighting changes (e.g., infrastructure, ordinances, proclamations) that aim to minimize light pollution. Encouraging others to use fully-shielded light fixtures, which direct light where it’s needed, in combination with warm-colored lights (color temperatures of 3000K or lower) to reduce sky glow.
Many dark sky parks also seek certification by organizations like DarkSky International. Such certifications ensure they meet high standards for light pollution reduction and community engagement.
The 5-watt LED in the lantern room of this decommissioned lighthouse provided just enough glow so this picture could be taken as a single shot. (Photo by Tom Oliver)
GLN: What are the benefits of reduced light pollution?
TO: Lowering light pollution has many benefits for both the environment and human health. It helps ecosystems by protecting nighttime animals and their natural behaviors, like finding their way, mating and eating. For people, less artificial light at night improves sleep quality and lowers the risk of health problems like insomnia, depression and obesity by regulating melatonin production.
Using efficient lighting also saves energy, which means lower electricity bills and fewer carbon emissions, helping the environment. Properly shielded lights make things safer by reducing glare and improving visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Less light pollution makes the night sky clearer, making stargazing and astronomy more enjoyable and helping people appreciate nature more. Communities that use dark sky-friendly practices can attract tourists, boost local economies, and save on energy costs.
GLN: How do dark sky parks support scientific research?
TO: Dark sky parks help scientific research in several important ways. They are great places to monitor and study light pollution, allowing researchers to measure its levels and effects on the environment and wildlife. These parks can also act as natural labs for studying biodiversity, helping scientists see how lower levels of light pollution can benefit nighttime animals and plants. Dark sky parks can serve well for astronomical research, offering clearer views of stars and other celestial objects.
Many dark sky parks involve the public in citizen science programs, like the Globe at Night campaign, where volunteers collect and submit data on sky brightness. Additionally, dark sky parks often host educational programs and workshops, which hopefully inspire a new generation of scientists. Finally, dark sky parks often work with universities, research institutions and conservation organizations to study light pollution.
GLN: Best practices or good tips for beginner dark sky enthusiasts?
TO: Getting started with night sky observation can be an exciting and rewarding experience — but for some it can also be a little bit overwhelming and scary. Here are some ways that I think can help get people started exploring the night sky:
- First and foremost — start simple. You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy the night sky. Begin by familiarizing yourself with constellations, planets and major stars using just your eyes. If you want closer views of some of the celestial objects, a decent pair of binoculars is a good way to start. By using a set of 10x magnification binoculars, for instance, you can see the moons of Jupiter that were discovered by Galileo. The most important equipment for starting out is having the right clothes for staying warm and dry at night.
- Choosing a location can be important. Ideally, finding spaces with minimal light will increase a person’s chances of seeing beautiful night skies.
- Allow time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness by not using or being around sources of artificial light. It takes about 20-30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark.
- One of the great things about seeking dark sky experiences is that there is a global community of enthusiastic people willing to help others learn about the night sky. While there are many benefits to solo night sky experiences, it can also be a social activity. Take the time to find and join groups such as the Michigan Aurora Chasers or local astronomy clubs, they are a wealth of knowledge and support. Sharing the experiences with a friend can not only build a stronger friendship but will also help you be more comfortable in solitary dark locations.
- It is critically important to be safe while seeking dark skies. Tell friends and family where you will be going and when you expect to return. If possible, visit the location during the daytime so you are aware of the setting and any potential hazards.
Catch more news at Great Lakes Now:
Not Just Pretty Pictures: Bearing witness to the night sky
Great Lakes Moment: It’s a UFO. No, the aurora borealis. No, it’s Leamington greenhouses!
Featured image: During the day leading up to my last night on Silver Island, I discovered this large spruce tree and realized that, from the right position, I might be able to create an image that gave the sense of the spruce tree’s shadow being cast against the light of the Milky Way. (Photo by Tom Oliver)
