The Beaver Island Dark Sky Project is hosting two exciting programs this week that bring the wonders of the night sky — and the importance of preserving it — into focus.
🌠Skygawking! Night Sky Viewing
From August 20–23, head out to the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve after dusk for Skygawking! A lineup of telescopes will be available, including 10-inch and 16-inch scopes, giant binoculars, and whatever else community members bring along.
Guides include Tony Miller (aka “Duke SkyGawker”), William Markey, members of the Beaver Island Dark Sky Project, David Clark, and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, arrive before dark to secure a good spot, and avoid bright lights or car headlights once viewing begins. It’s a family-friendly way to explore the stars, planets, and deep sky objects that shine above one of Michigan’s most pristine dark sky areas.
đź“š Special Presentation with Dr. Robert Parrish
On August 22 from 3–5 p.m., the Beaver Island District Library will host Dr. Robert Parrish, M.A., Director of the T.K. Lawless International Dark Sky Park and a leading Dark Sky advocate.
Dr. Parrish will speak about dark sky advocacy, legislation, and the growing movement to create dark sky places. His leadership helped secure designations for Beaver Island and Keweenaw Peninsula, and he continues to guide efforts across Michigan.
In addition to his advocacy, Dr. Parrish is an amateur astrophotographer, President of the Cass County Parks and Recreation Commission, a delegate with Dark Sky International, and the architect behind legislation declaring Michigan’s International Dark Sky Week. He describes himself as an “all-around nice guy and pseudo-Jedi Knight.”
đź“Ť Event Details
- Skygawking! Night Sky Viewing
📅 August 20–23, after dusk
đź“Ť Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve
✅ Free, family-friendly — bring a lawn chair, limit lights - Dr. Robert Parrish Presentation
📅 August 22, 3–5 p.m.
đź“Ť Beaver Island District Library
🎙️ “Dark Sky Advocacy, Legislation, and Dark Sky Places”
Both events are presented by the Beaver Island Dark Sky Project and the Beaver Island District Library, with support from Beaver Island Retreat.
Learn more at darkskyisland.org.
And don’t forget — tune in to WVBI for daily Stardate updates and weekly stories of the night sky every Wednesday with the Storyteller’s Night Sky. Learn broadcast times here at or catch the podcasts: Storyteller’s Night Sky | Stardate.
This post was prepared with the assistance of AI based on information at darkskyisland.org.
