Latest news with #InternationalDarkSkyWeek
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
International Dark Sky Week 2025: See these 10 night sky sights to celebrate
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. April 21 - 28 is International Dark Sky Week, a global celebration of the night sky during which like-minded organizations and people take action to raise awareness of an inevitable aspect of modern-day life: the rising scourge of light pollution. Light pollution is a serious issue for night sky enthusiasts hoping to explore the cosmos from our vantage point on Earth, and is the primary reason why powerful observatories are built in remote locations, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile. Even so, a 2022 study from the Royal Astronomical Society showed that artificial light was polluting the skies over most observatories, while suggesting that immediate action would be needed to safeguard these scientific bastions. But the loss of dark skies is felt far beyond its harmful effects on astronomy. "From the darkness needed for a restful night's sleep to the activities we enjoy beneath the stars, the night plays a crucial role in protecting healthy wildlife ecosystems, advancing science and exploration, preserving cultural knowledge, and much more," reads a post on the International Dark Sky website. Astronomers measure the apparent brightness of a night sky object by its magnitude. The lower this value is, the brighter an associated object is in the night sky. Under good night sky viewing conditions the human eye is capable of picking out objects with a magnitude of around +6, which allows us to view over 9,000 stars without the need for telescopes or binoculars. However, under artificial city lights that limit drops to a magnitude of +3, which renders many deep sky objects and stars lost to sight. To celebrate International Dark Sky Week 2025, we've put together a list of 10 night sky objects visible over the coming days that showcase the majesty of the post-sunset realm. The majority of viewing targets are easily accessible to newcomers using nothing but the naked eye and a dark sky, although some may benefit from the use of a stargazing smartphone app such as Stellarium, or Starry night. However, some of the latter selections in our list would benefit from being viewed through a pair of binoculars, or a telescope, to bring out their true beauty. While the most impressive sights will be found under clear, unspoiled dark skies, many of the viewing targets can be observed in urban areas. Regardless of where you are, be sure to let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes to get the most out of your skywatching experience, and to use a red light when extra illumination is needed to save your night vision! The seven bright stars that form the Big Dipper - also known as the Plough - are among the most famous stellar formations in the Northern Hemisphere. In reality, the stars of the Big Dipper are separated from one another by near unimaginable tracts of space, but from the seemingly unchanging perspective of Earth they come together to create a distinctive bowl and handle shape. The Big Dipper is what is known as an asterism - the term given to a recognizable formation of stars that belongs to an even larger grouping of stellar bodies called a constellation. The Big Dipper's constellation Ursa major - the Great Bear - happens to be a circumpolar constellation, which means that it's always above the horizon in the northern hemisphere, particularly during spring, when it is particularly high overhead. If you're having difficulty spotting this bright asterism then why not turn to a stargazing app, many of which have free functionality and the best of which can be found in our handy guide! The next object on our tour is the magnitude +2 star Polaris, which can be located with the help of the bright stars Merak and Dubhe, which form the outer edge of the Big Dipper's 'bowl'. Simply trace an imaginary line from the base of the bowl (Merak) out through Dubhe, and the next bright star that the line intersects will be Polaris! Polaris is also known as the North Star, owing to the fact that it just so happens to be positioned extremely close to the north celestial pole, which is essentially an extension of Earth's geographic north pole, and around which the entire sky seems to rotate. As such, Polaris held a special significance to our ancestors, who used it to determine their latitude on Earth during long sea voyages. However, the celestial north pole is slowly wandering away from Polaris as a result of a wobble in the rotation of Earth's axis. According to NASA a new North Star will be crowned in around 12,000 years in the bright star Vega. Betelgeuse - or Alpha Orionis if you want to be fancy - is one of the largest stars visible in the Northern Hemisphere. According to NASA, the red supergiant is estimated to shine brighter than up to 14,000 suns. Despite being a mere 10 million years old, Betelgeuse is already nearing the end of its mighty existence, having already expended most of its hydrogen reserves needed to fuel the fusion reaction that prevents the gigantic stellar body from collapsing in on itself. At any point in the next 100,0000 years Betelgeuse could run out of the last of its hydrogen, and end in a cataclysmic supernova explosion that would be visible on Earth, even during the day. To find Betelgeuse in the April night sky, you need only look to the western sky soon after sunset, and locate the three bright stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka that line up horizontally to form an asterism known as Orion's belt. Then, trace a line up from Mintaka and slightly to the right, to find Betelgeuse. Space agencies and private companies alike have their sights set on exploring the secrets of the Red Planet, with a view to one day putting human boots on its barren surface. During April, Mars is located relatively close to the bright stars Castor and Pollox, which can be found 40 degrees upwards from Betelgeuse in the direction of your local zenith, which is the patch of space directly above your head. The width of your fist from your thumb to the outside of your hand equals around 10 degrees in the sky. With that in mind, all you need to do is stack four fists on top of Betelgeuse, and you will find Castor and Pollux waiting for you side by side. Mars can then be seen as a bright red point of light to the upper left of the two stars. Less than 10 degrees to the upper left of Mars this week is the Beehive cluster, which appears as a fuzzy patch of light to the naked eye under clear dark skies, and something all the more spectacular with the aid of a pair of binoculars, or telescope. According to NASA, the Beehive cluster is home to around 1,000 stars that are loosely bound together by gravitational attraction. The enormous stellar beehive is thought to be 600 - 700 million years old, and was initially mistaken as a nebula by the famed astronomer Galileo Galilei when he observed it in the early 1600s. A pair of good binoculars will reveal tens of stars clustered together in the Beehive, while a telescope could reveal hundreds more of the blue-white stellar bodies. The eastern pre-dawn horizon in late April is a veritable planet bonanza, with Venus, Saturn, Mercury and Neptune all crowding in together into a relatively small patch of sky. The planets are best viewed in the hour preceding dawn, and will require a clear view of the horizon. Venus, the brightest of the planetary quartet, will be visible roughly 10 degrees above the horizon, while Saturn will be visible to the lower right a short distance away. Mercury, the last of the easily visible planets, may also be visible almost directly on the horizon. Neptune will be visible through binoculars or a telescope below Venus and to the left of Saturn, forming a planetary triangle. As always, readers are reminded to exercise extreme caution when using a telescope or binoculars in close proximity to the rising sun. Named for its aesthetic similarity to the iconic piece of headwear, the Sombrero galaxy (M 104) is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable cosmic objects discovered by astronomers to date. The galaxy is tilted almost edge-on to Earth, and features a bright active core and thick, shadowy dust lanes that span some 50,000 light years across. With a magnitude of +8 the vast galaxy sits just outside of the perception range of the human eye. However, it can be spotted under dark skies using a pair of binoculars, which will reveal the vast structure of gas and stars as a small smudge of light. Through a larger telescope it is possible to gain greater levels of detail. Be sure to check out guides for the best binocular and telescope deals to help you find the optics you need to see the Sombrero Galaxy and other deep sky wonders. A good way to locate the Sombrero Galaxy is to pick out the magnitude 2.8 star Kraz near the southern horizon after dark, and then look upwards until you find the similarly bright star Porrima to the right of Spica. M 104 can be found roughly half way between the two. Located 34,000 light-years from Earth, the globular cluster Messier 3 (M3) is known to contain over 500,000 stars. Despite its stelliferous nature, the deep sky object was initially mistaken for a nebula by its discoverer Charles Messier back in 1764, though this wrong would later be put right by William Herschel some 20 years later, when he resolved individual stars within the cluster. As explained by NASA, the best way to find Messier 3 is to return to the Big Dipper asterism, and draw an imaginary line connecting the star at the very end of the handle, Alkaid, and Arcturus. Then, using a starfinding app, find the magnitude 2.84 star Cor Caroli. The globular cluster we seek is located a third of the way towards Cor Caroli. Bode's galaxy is located some 11.6 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major, and is one of the brightest galaxies to be found in the night sky, with an apparent magnitude of +6.9. The cosmic structure was discovered in 1774 by German astronomer Johann Elert Bode, and later imaged by the Hubble telescope to magnificent effect. One way to find Bode's galaxy is to locate Dubhe in the bowl of the Big Dipper, along with the magnitude +3.5 star Muscida. Find the halfway point between the two, and head in the direction of Polaris. This imaginary line will bring you close to our target, along with the dimmer galaxies M82, and NGC 3077. As noted by NASA, it is possible to spot Bode's galaxy as a smudge of light in the spring sky with a pair of binoculars. However, a small telescope will be needed to resolve the galaxy's bright core, which is suspected to play host to a monstrous singularity 15 times the mass of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. Our final entry is the Andromeda galaxy, a vast spiral galaxy located some 2.5 million light years from Earth, which is destined to collide and merge with the Milky Way some 4.5 billion years from now to form an even larger elliptical galaxy. During spring, the Andromeda galaxy is best viewed in the hours before dawn by looking to the north eastern horizon and finding the prominent star Mirach close to the horizon. The Andromeda galaxy will be located a little under 10 degrees above Mirach, visible as a fuzzy patch of light to the naked eye.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When the night is dark, it's time for a stargazing bash
There's something magical about lying under a blanket of stars, sipping something warm, and watching the sky tell stories older than time. Hosting a backyard stargazing party isn't just about watching constellations—it's about connection. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the cosmos, with nature, and with each other. Whether you're a constellation connoisseur or a casual comet spotter, the night sky has a way of bringing everyone together. So, on this International Dark Sky Week that lasts till April 28, put away the phones, pass around the popcorn, and look up. The universe has been waiting. Starry timing is everything A successful stargazing party starts with picking the right night. 'Timing is crucial,' says Victor Chakraborty, co-founder and CEO of Astra Sitara Astronomical Observatory, Kolkata. 'The best time to stargaze is in the evening when moisture is low, or after midnight,' he adds. Clear skies are a must, so check that weather app like your party depends on it—because it kinda does. Bonus points if you can time it with a meteor shower or a lunar eclipse. Now that's cosmic planning. Set the stage for a stargazing glory Turn your backyard into a cozy observatory. Raghunandan Saraf, founder and CEO, Saraf Furniture suggests, 'Add string lights, mason jar lanterns, or glow-in-the-dark stars to create a dreamy, ambient vibe. Sheer cloth can also be used as a canopy or backdrop. Set up comfy seating with low ottomans, soft blankets, and floor cushions. Position small tables with candles or LED lights. Simple star or moon decorations on the table would enhance the dreamy effect.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Want to go the extra mile? Play a soft ambient or space-themed playlist in the background. Telescope? Binoculars? Use what you've got! Stargazing in a bustling city like Kolkata? Absolutely possible—if the skies are clear! Saikat Bhadra, a member of the Sky Watchers' Association, Kolkata, explains, 'Light pollution does limit the view, but you can still spot bright constellations. For the best experience, though, heading to the outskirts—away from city lights—is ideal.' 'Even within the city, a clear night sky can offer a surprisingly magical show. You don't need any fancy gear to begin—just lie back, look up, and try identifying constellations with the naked eye. However, if you're curious about spotting specific celestial wonders like the Moon or Jupiter, a telescope or a good pair of binoculars can really enhance the experience.,' he adds. Time for some starry snacks No stargazing soirée is complete without a space-themed spread. Chef Aman Choudhary from CYK Hospitalities recommends letting the cosmos inspire your menu. 'Think galaxy-glazed donuts, nebula mousse cups, or dark blue butterfly pea pasta. Use ingredients like activated charcoal, blueberries, or edible glitter to mimic the night sky. Even the savory snacks—black bean sliders or cheese bites cut into stars—can be celestial. Bonus: they taste as good as they look,' he adds.
Gulf News
23-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf News
UAE residents urged to take Dark Sky Week pledge
Here is how you can show your support to prevent threat of light pollution Last updated: Dubai: It is International Dark Sky Week and UAE residents have been urged to show their support to prevent the growing threat of light pollution. The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) has called on its members and the wider group of residents to 'show the world your support for dark skies and the protection of nighttime environments by linking your name to the cause.' This is possible by taking the pledge of the website of the International Dark Sky Week, a global movement to raise awareness about the growing threat of light pollution and to remind us of something we are all born with: the right to experience a natural night sky. 'For many, darkness is misunderstood or feared, but it's essential for our planet's health and well-being,' said Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, operations manager at DAG. 'From wildlife to human sleep cycles, dark skies play a vital role in life on Earth,' she pointed out. Hence, the Group has asked residents to join it this week to rediscover the night and learn how light pollution is impacting the world and what simple actions we can take to preserve it. The pledge reads: 'I pledge to protect the night by following the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, using lights only when and where I need them, and learning more about the impacts of artificial light on wildlife, habitats, and my community.' 'We recommend everyone does what they can to help protect the night sky. Together, we can reclaim the stars for future generations,' the campaign says. How you can help: Use light only of needed Dim or switch off unnecessary outdoor lights. Use motion sensors and warmer colour lighting at home. Use warmer colours when possible Educate others and share what you learn. How light becomes harmful According to the World Economic Forum's March 2025 report, light pollution is rapidly increasing, with artificial lighting now affecting nearly 80% of the planet. This surge is linked to urbanisation and the widespread use of electric lighting. The consequences are far-reaching: wildlife, including birds, bats, and insects, experience disrupted behaviours and reproductive cycles. Humans are also affected, with studies indicating a correlation between exposure to artificial light at night and various health issues, such as sleep disorders and certain cancers. Moreover, light pollution contributes to energy wastage and hinders climate change research by obscuring the night sky. Experts advocate for immediate measures to reduce artificial light at night in urban areas and residential spaces to mitigate these adverse effects. Related Stories Dubai gold price surge: Will it cool off anytime soon? 2m read Free shuttle buses announced for Dubai AI Week 2025 2m read All the buzz around the new Netflix thriller Glass Dome 2m read Hit Show wins $12 million Dubai World Cup 4m read
RTÉ News
22-04-2025
- Science
- RTÉ News
Ecolution: Lights out and embrace the dark in Mayo!
Happy Earth Day! Since 1970, 22 April has been a date to celebrate the wonders of Mother Nature, while also recognising the fragility of our planet and its ecosystems. From rainforests to bogs, rivers to coral reefs we are looking at what is happening. That's why we are launching a new series of RTÉ's Climate Podcast for young people - Ecolution!! Coincidentally this week is International Dark Sky Week, so we decided to go two for the price of one. Listen to Ecolution on RTÉ, Apple or Spotify! Ecolution is the podcast that talks about the climate crisis, our environment and all of the people, young and old, who are trying to be the change that will make our future sustainable. For our first show back we wanted to turn out the lights and look up. Wild Nephin National Park in County Mayo is located in a stunning part of the country. And one that, due to its wild makeup, offers a natural habitat for all kinds of flora and fauna. It has been designated as an official Dark Sky Park. On the show Back in late January this year Ecolution arrived at the Visitor Centre one evening to find it packed with local scout and girl guide groups, all gathered to take a safely managed leap into darkness. And one group of young people who totally get the importance of embracing the dark is The night owls; a group of boys and girls from Sligo who, along with their forest leader Martina began a project to celebrate things that go bump, bark and squeak in the dark. Especially when we reduce levels of light pollution . Light pollution is the artificial light that we use to illuminate our homes, our gardens, our towns and roads. And of course we can't turn them all off. But by being more mindful of the kinds of light we use and when we turn them off, we can really help ourselves and nature return to a more balanced way of living, day and night. And it's something the night owls shared with us and the large group of kids and adults trekking along the path as the sun went down back in January. Seeing the stars spread out above us at Wild Nephin was an incredible experience and one I'd hope everyone could share. Very sadly, only a couple of weeks ago part of the walkway we hiked along was set on fire, causing really extensive damage to it and the habitat it wound through. It was a reminder of how humans can affect our environment in so many ways, of how fragile these ecosystems are and why it's so important we safeguard them. For the day and also for the night. The path will be mended and after time the landscape around will recover. But it is timely that one of the Night Owls, Lorcan, wanted to speak about the dangers of fire when camping or out in nature. Something New! We've been away for longer than intended but we're returning bigger and better than ever. Presented once again by Evie Kenny, we're back with a weekly Audio Podcast and we are on YouTube too! There we'll discuss the issues raised in the podcast with a panel of young people from the ISSN, An Taisce Climate Ambassadors and EcoUnesco - so they really know their stuff. Thank You! Sinead Gaughan , Georgia McMillan, Molly O'Grady, our Dark Sky guides at Wild Nephin National Park from the NPWS. They worked so hard to gather this amazing bunch of kids and adults to share in celebrating the night sky, the darkness and the space it offers nature. We wish them so much luck in getting the place back on track so as more people can enjoy it just as we did.
