Maps and forecasts for bird migration in the US are available on-line from Colorado State University for use in lights-out initiatives.
Posts
MIDS Talk at Oakland Audubon Society
Tue, Sept 8 at 7:00 pm, Sally Oey will present remotely at Oakland Audubon Society on “Preserving Michigan’s Dark sky Heritage”: https://www.oaklandaudubon.org/meetings
SATCON1 Report on Satellite Constellations
NSF’s NOIRLab and the American Astronomical Society hosted the SATCON1 workshop in July to study the detrimental effects of satellite constellations on astronomical observations. The SATCON1 Press Release and Report with recommendations on mitigation are now available on-line. UM’s Pat Seitzer was a section leader.
Maui streetlights may endanger wildlife
A project to install new LED streetlights on Maui failed to consider the environmental impact in violation of state law. The color is harmful to sea turtles and birds, among other wildlife.
12 Michigan Dark-Sky Spots
MLive has a wonderful summary of 12 Michigan dark-sky spots: Headlands, T. K. Lawless, Beaver Island, Lake Hudson, Negwegon, Port Crescent, Rockport, Thompson’s Harbor, Wilderness, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and Isle Royale.
Ann Arbor Sign Ordinance advances
The overhaul of the Ann Arbor sign ordinance was approved by the City Planning Commission on August 5 and will advance for consideration by the City Council. It includes dark-sky friendly provisions for illuminated signs.
Marquette Dark Sky Park initiative stalled
The Marquette Astronomical Society’s initiative to designate part of Presque Isle as a Dark Sky Park has stalled:
MIDS Talk at Headlands Intl Dark Sky Park
Fri, June 19, 7:00pm: Sally Oey will present by live videocon on “The Importance of Michigan Dark Skies” at Headlands International Dark Sky Park (not in person).
SpaceX Mitigating Satellite Constellations
SpaceX has “committed to making future satellite designs as dark as possible.” They are working with the astronomy community to mitigate the visibility of their satellite constellation, as described HERE.
University Record Spotlight
The University of Michigan’s weekly University Record ran a Spotlight series feature on Sally Oey and Michigan Dark Skies on May 26, 2o20.