Panel Discussion: Where Have the Stars Gone?

As the Frick plans an important project to better light our museum campus for visitors, we are thinking about the serious issue of Dark Skies, and are beginning a series of Dark Skies programs with this presentation and panel conversation by local leading experts. Diane Turnshek and Stephen Quick’s research at Carnegie Mellon University, originally intended to help the city with the upcoming relamping of Pittsburgh’s streetlights with new LEDs, has led to a better understanding of how nighttime lighting can be achieved so we can see stars and the milky way at night, assist astronomers with their work, and help restore a better environmental balance. They will be joined by Daylon Burt, President of the International Dark-Sky Association, Pittsburgh Section and Michael Lincoln, Director of the Pennsylvania International Dark-Skies organization. After introducing the concept of Dark Skies and how the night sky is adversely impacted by over-lighting, we will discuss easy and important steps everyone can take to reduce our lighting impact on the night sky.