(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 23, 2010 ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2010
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
CONTACT: Heather Jones
PHONE: 207.288.5103
EMAIL: hjones@barharborinfo.com
WEB: www.barharborinfo.com
BAR HARBOR, Maine- Ever wonder why there are fewer stars in the night sky? The cause of our changing skies is light pollution due to the rapid development of urban centers. In Maine the town of Bar Harbor is working to protect this magnificent natural resource and showcases their stunning night skies during the 2nd Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival.
In 2001 the National Park Service formally declared the night sky as a natural resource meaning they would work to preserve what should be naturally visible skyscapes. The community of Bar Harbor echoed these opinions 6 years later when creating a plan to keep their sky views safe by reducing light pollution. In 2009 the Acadia Night Sky Festival was born as a means of celebration and education of the importance of our stars and skies.
This yearÂ’s festival will run from September 9th-13th officially kicking off during Picnic with the Planets September 10th. The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is creating a festive air around this yearÂ’s events while working with local businesses to keep the community involved. A local whale watch company will be offering night trips with music and singing, celestial navigation and lessons on how light affects marine animals.
Activities during the event are a mixture of science and art. There will be night sky photography workshops where photographer and naturalist Bob Thayer amateur photographers will teachlearn the best ways to capture images of the stars and planets. Families will love learning about our galaxy in the inflatable sky lab and at Star Parties at Seawell and Cadillac Mountain. Around town volunteer astronomers will be strategically placed for sidewalk telescoping. Ranger guided programs offer everyone the chance to explore the night skies of Acadia National Park. Jackson Lab, the eventÂ’s Galaxy sponsor and area neighbor, has a great respect for Acadia and will be holding panel discussions about their work as well.
Bar Harbor offers a wide range of accommodations from family-friendly hotels to luxurious bed and breakfasts. Check out the breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay and the Maine coastline from the rooms at the Bluenose Inn. Eco-conscious visitors can check out campsites in Acadia. The night skies are our gateways to the universe and the town of Bar Harbor is working to protect these gateways for future generations. For more information on the Acadia Night Sky Festival or Bar Harbor, contact Heather Jones at hjones@barharborinfo.com or visit http://www.nightskyfestival.org/Festival/Calendar.html.
