Dark Sky Week 2025 transformed into more than two weeks of engaging educational events. At the April 12 Dance Palace event featuring two noted astronomers, we learned that more than 10,000 satellites currently occupy our night skies and compete for our attention with ancient constellations. Drs. Aparna Venkatesan of USF and John Barentine of DarkSky Consulting coined the term “Noctagia” to describe the experience of losing our familiar darkness at night.
KWMR inaugurated their new “KWMBaR” by providing beverages for the thirsy, and guests enjoyed star- and comet-shaped cookies and other pastries made by our trusty volunteers. Don Jolley showcased the astrolabe created by the middle schoolers at Bolinas-Stinson School, although most of us found the math behind it a bit challenging to decipher.
During the week of April 21-28, College of Marin Professor Joe Mueller was joined by naturalist Todd Plummer, and the pair demonstrated the art of calling to owls or using mouse calls to entice them to come. Although no owls were spied at the White Barn, participants were treated to an owl flying close overhead at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
The proposed kayak/beach/owl outing with Todd has been postponed until sometime in May due to April’s gusty nighttime winds. If you’re interested, please check our website at DarkSkyWestMarin.com for updates.
Simultaneous events took place on Friday. Tracker Richard Vacha led a small group of adventurous souls up the Bear Valley trail to Divide Meadow on the darkest night of the month—without any artificial light—while Marty Knapp opened his gallery to 20 guests, and discussed the photographic techniques he used to create his collection of dark sky photos. His choice of familiar landmarks like Pierce Point Barn paired with the Milky Way is nothing less than awe-inspiring.
Don Jolley’s renowned stargazing class snuck in on Sunday the 27th and featured April’s stars, including Draco the dragon winding it’s long body between the big and little dippers.
We were delighted to accept donations from new donors who learned about our work during those weeks. Thank you to all those who participated and who donated so generously.
Dr. Aparna Venkatesan of the University of San Francisco coined the phrase “Noctalgia” with Dr. John Barentine of DarkSky Consulting in Phoenix, Arizona.
KWMBaR with Amanda and Ken Eichstaedt provided “Starry, starry night” libations.
Aparna, in the foreground, watches Don Jolley weave the enrapt audience through another one of his remarkable starry allegories as John Barentine appears on the screen from his home in Phoenix, Arizona.