FRIDAY, DEC. 8
Events held at the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center
All day long, catch the documentary “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.” A visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share the wonders of the heavens. The documentary, which was co-produced by WDSE and Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education, also illuminates ways we can reduce the negative impacts of light pollution.
Travis Novitsky will be doing a short (20-25 min) reading of some passages from his new book “Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, & Living Connections to the Cosmos”
Meet Grand Portage-based astrophotographer Travis Novitsky and get a copy of his new book “Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, & Living Connections to the Cosmos” signed.
Events held at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery in Grand Marais, MN
A brief overview by Jim Knutson-Kolodzne (Ottawa) of the Native Skywatchers Program of the Dakota and Anishinaabe tribal nations of Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota). Discussions will center on how the moon and stars guided seasonal behavior, celebrations, and movements of native people on Mother Earth.
For millennia, humans have observed the heavens: the night sky has been and continues to be important to people in cultures across the world. However, the skies are transforming before our eyes. Light pollution – wasted light going up into the sky – is washing out our view of the stars. Many people can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live, and light pollution is growing at an increasing rate. Meanwhile, rapidly increasing numbers of satellites stand to irrevocably alter our view of the cosmos, with marked impacts on professional astronomers, living cultural traditions, and casual stargazers alike. This presentation by cultural astronomer Jessica Heim of Native Skywatchers will discuss these emerging changes to our night sky, as well as give an overview of efforts underway to help address these challenges.
Event held at Justine’s Dining Room at Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail
Make your reservation for the three-course Dark Skies Dinner including Meteorite Crostini, Dark Skies Bourguignon, and Black Forest Cake. See the menu details and call 218-388-2294 to make your reservation.
Events held at the Boundary Waters Hall at Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Trail
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center Dark Sky Committee Co-Chair Emma Adams will do a presentation using Stellarium and show segments of the documentary “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.”
Join the resident naturalists at Gunflint Lodge for a nighttime hike, where you’ll venture up onto the hills and cliffs that overlook Gunflint Lake in order to have a fuller view of the starlit horizon. For this hike you will be provided red flashlights, which do not disrupt the natural light sensitivity of your eyes, allowing you to adjust to the darkness much more quickly upon arriving at the destination. You will also be provided foam padding for stargazers to lay down comfortably while we soak in the sights above. During the hike and after arriving at our stargazing outpost, Gunflint Lodge naturalists will present some interesting stories, legends, and commentary about darkness, night skies, and constellations for your enjoyment. Come along for a once-in-a-lifetime dark sky experience.
Reserve your spot for the guided night hike by calling 218-388-2294.
Event held at Mink Lake parking lot, Gunflint Trail
There’s limited space, so sign up now to join the stargazing party with night-vision monoculars! The group will meet up on the Gunflint Trail, so the light pollution should be relatively low, the illumination from the moon won’t be terrible, and hopefully the skies clear! $60 per person – sign up here.