Posted on behalf of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Contact Sarah Andre, Development Associate with questions. (207) 420-1254   [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Download a flyer for this event here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TcCTszNtPG3rkergAa3QHBtq_h1BQPBu/view?usp=sharing


On a moonless night, the skies over Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are the darkest east of the Mississippi, with shadows cast by the light of the Milky Way. In 2020, this special place was recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.friendsofkww.org%2Fwp-json%2Fcivicrm%2Fv3%2Furl%3Fu%3D645%26qid%3D146671&data=04%7C01%7CKara.Reiman%40maine.gov%7C0e763800c9d14db0e48908d97df87253%7C413fa8ab207d4b629bcdea1a8f2f864e%7C0%7C0%7C637679328329185245%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Ey7bggbo6RR3nYBR%2BuKJZ9ozZ7PNTm68dVLHFrUeIic%3D&reserved=0> as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the eastern seaboard of the United States and only the 12th designation in the world.

Stars Over Katahdin<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.friendsofkww.org%2Fwp-json%2Fcivicrm%2Fv3%2Furl%3Fu%3D646%26qid%3D146671&data=04%7C01%7CKara.Reiman%40maine.gov%7C0e763800c9d14db0e48908d97df87253%7C413fa8ab207d4b629bcdea1a8f2f864e%7C0%7C0%7C637679328329185245%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=SYOD9R4m9gEzWqXlNKKfgR%2FpAYG252XyJfdXO0pb18Y%3D&reserved=0> is the annual celebration of the extraordinary night skies of the Katahdin Region. Each year, Friends works with the National Park Service to gather the public, star enthusiasts, and volunteer astronomers to observe the stunning celestial objects above the landscape. The 2021 event will be held virtually - bringing the wonder of the night skies to you while keeping our community safe.

The event will be held via Zoom webinar on Oct 14th at 6:30 PM EDT. You're invited to RSVP today!<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.friendsofkww.org%2Fwp-json%2Fcivicrm%2Fv3%2Furl%3Fu%3D647%26qid%3D146671&data=04%7C01%7CKara.Reiman%40maine.gov%7C0e763800c9d14db0e48908d97df87253%7C413fa8ab207d4b629bcdea1a8f2f864e%7C0%7C0%7C637679328329185245%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=LEFtS61DS%2F8FEoH8hteXxcmpTyfu9YmPbk9eXq5P5j4%3D&reserved=0>

We are excited to present this year's program, featuring:

A Tour of the October Night Sky
John Meader, Owner, Northern Stars Planetarium and Volunteer, Dark Sky Maine
Follow along on your screen to learn about the constellations and celestial bodies above Maine this time of year. John will share tips for getting outside on your own and enjoying the scene from wherever you are!

The Globe at Night
Jason Gablaski, Ranger, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Ranger Gablaski will introduce us to a global community science campaign to observe and record the faintest stars visible as a way to measure light pollution. Learn how the lights in your community contribute to light pollution. Kids can even complete an activity at home to earn the Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch.

Maine Woods Creatures of the Dark
Serena Sanborn, Education and Outreach Manager, Waterville Creates & Maine Master Naturalist
Whoo can you see (and hear) at night? Learn about the special adaptations of nocturnal animals in our region and how they depend on dark for survival.

Telling Time with the Moon
Elise Goplerud, Program Associate, Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters
Did you know that you can use the moon's position in the sky to tell time? Our own Katahdin Learning Project's Elise will show you how. Get ready to impress your friends.

Making a Difference for Dark Skies
Nancy Hathaway, President, Dark Sky Maine
Dark Sky Maine, a 501c3 nonprofit, promotes an appreciation of the night sky through education and by supporting measures that use appropriate lighting to provide security on the ground while maintaining dark skies overhead. Learn how you can make a difference for dark skies at home and in your community.

This event is free and open to the public, with registration required. RSVP HERE<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.friendsofkww.org%2Fwp-json%2Fcivicrm%2Fv3%2Furl%3Fu%3D649%26qid%3D146671&data=04%7C01%7CKara.Reiman%40maine.gov%7C0e763800c9d14db0e48908d97df87253%7C413fa8ab207d4b629bcdea1a8f2f864e%7C0%7C0%7C637679328329205159%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=jna3ych84Hxik5SzOYgelLfKSuvv00xZKSMvpRWaBCU%3D&reserved=0>.

We hope you'll join us on October 14th to celebrate this special place.