Light pollution, simply put, is any unnecessary or excessive outdoor illumination. Sadly, it’s become a pervasive and ugly consequence of modern 24/7 society. Light pollution robs us of the night sky’s beauty, negatively affects the ecosystem, and creates an in-your-face waste of energy. But a new mindset and new technology are poised to slow — and perhaps reverse — this bane of modern life. Come learn how you can safely light up your home, business, and community without wasting energy, disturbing your neighbors, or creating an unhealthy environment for humans and wildlife.
About the speaker: Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974, when he joined the staff of Sky & Telescope. After forty-three years of pounding the keyboard, he retired from full-time work in early 2018. An award-winning writer and communicator, he holds a bachelor’s degree from the California Institute of Technology and a master's degree in science journalism from Boston University. Kelly has been active in efforts to reduce light pollution for more than thirty years. He served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors for the International DarkSky International (darksky.org) and is now an officer with DarkSky’s Massachusetts chapter.
Program sponsored by
- Ad hoc Hamilton-Wenham Dark Sky Committee
- Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
- Essex County Greenbelt Association
- Trustees of Reservations
No RSVP needed! Just come with your curiosity and your friends!