Celebrate our dark night skies and help limit light pollution by raising awareness through International Dark Sky Week, 15 to 22 April 2023.
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory located in Davagh Forest, is the only International Dark Sky Place accredited in Northern Ireland. It is one of two Dark Sky Parks on the island of Ireland, and is the 78th area of the world to be accredited (in 2020) as an International Dark Sky Park. Join us during International Dark Sky Week 2023 to learn how we can all play a part in protecting our skies from the negative impacts of light pollution.
Saturday 15 April, 9.30pm – 11pm (£10)
This is the best time of the month to go stargazing! To celebrate the start of International Dark Sky Week, join us at OM as we delve into the dark sky with our resident astronomer and explore galaxies, star clusters and lots more.
Night Sky Observing & The Effects of Light Pollution
Sunday 16 April, 3-4pm (Free admission)
This International Dark Sky Week, join our astronomer at OM for two back-to-back presentations on night sky observing and light pollution. Would you like to be able to navigate round the night sky, identifying bright stars and the constellations? Can you find the hazy arc of our own Milky Way galaxy in the sky? Ever wondered where some of the more exotic celestial objects, like star clusters, nebulae and other galaxies lie? Our night sky observing presentation is for you!
Light pollution and its effects on the natural environment is a big topic of concern for us here at OM. We’ll talk about its growing threat to our nocturnal skies and habitats and what we can do to minimise it, reaping all sorts of benefits in return, from improved health and sleep cycles to greater visibility of our wondrous night skies. Let’s all do our bit for this year’s Dark Sky Week!
To register for this free event call 028 8676 0681 or email omdarksky@midulstercouncil.org
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (for children)
Thursday 20 April, 4-5pm (Free admission)
The dark can be scary for some, but it can be other things too – it all depends on how you see it! Join us at OM and find out about all about the interesting things you can see and hear outside in the dark. Learn about red light torches, moonlight, what night-time animals you could bump into, how to find stars, planets, and satellites, and how your eyes have special night vision.
To register for this free event call 028 8676 0681 or email omdarksky@midulstercouncil.org
AstronOMy Club
Friday 21 April, 7.30pm – 8.30pm (£5)
A sociable evening session with our resident astronomers discussing what is currently visible in the night sky.
Saturday April 22, 9pm-11pm (£6)
Join us for one of the astronomical highlights of the year and to celebrate the end of International Dark Sky Week! We’ll take you on a twilight for a riverside stroll through Davagh forest to the ancient stone circle within, where we’ll watch the night sky for the Lyrid meteor shower, set to peak on this date! Expect many dazzling shooting stars in a lush woodland setting free from intrusive light pollution.
For more information or to book visit www.omdarksky.com/international-dark-sky-week-2023
A sociable evening session with our resident astronomers discussing what is currently visible in the night sky. The evening will be of interest to all astronomy enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned observers, all welcome!
