Get Ready to See The Dark
The dark gets a bad rap. Some are afraid of it. Many more do everything they can to cast it out.
With 99% of the U.S. population living under skies obscured by light pollution, few get to experience the true wonder of the night sky. Some may think it is only visible in some far-off place. Some may think it is something from the past. The truth is that many people are in the dark about, well, the dark. And these aren't just metaphors.
Our “See the Dark” project is seeking to change that.
See the Dark Festival
September 29 - October 6, 2024
Join the Appalachian Mountain Club for the 3rd Annual See The Dark Festival. This is a multi-day event at AMC's Medawisla lodge is scheduled around the new moon for optimal stargazing. Enjoy star-themed dinners and desserts, plus expert presentations from astronomers, scientists, musicians, and artists.
Feel free to join us for as many days as you wish; attendance for the entire week is not required.
Dark Sky Preservation
AMC’s 2024 Celestial Events Calendar
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 brought record numbers of skygazers to the northernmost parts of AMC’s region. Millions of people in the zone of totality took...
ExploreHow to Protect the Night Sky
Light pollution is a widespread problem that is associated with many threats to human health and the environment, from disrupted circadian rhythms and insomnia to habitat destruction. Many environmental...
ExploreWhat Is a Dark Sky?
When you look at the sky at night, what do you see? Until a few generations ago, people everywhere saw the same thing. A sky filled with stars, planets,...
ExploreSee the Dark: Exploring Maine’s International Dark Sky Park
One of the best-kept secrets of our Maine Woods destinations is the incredible stargazing opportunities that exist due to its exceptional dark skies. This region is one of the...
ExplorePreserving the Dark Skies of the Maine Woods
AMC’s Maine Woods holds a unique role in the preservation of night sky—nestled within a more secluded part of northern Maine, it’s in the heart of one of few remaining...
ExploreStargazing: How and Where to Go to See the Stars
From his backyard in Augusta, Maine, astronomer Jon Silverman can look into the night sky and see light emitted from stars hundreds, thousands, even millions of years ago. Anyone can....
ExploreFrom the AMC Store
For Educators
Classroom Program
As part of its “See The Dark” initiative, we have worked with educators to develop an easy-to-implement, three-day mini-unit to help students learn about light pollution and the benefit of dark skies.
The program is designed to be turn-key, fun, and educational. It is based on NGSS standards and designed to introduce students to light pollution, the negative effects it can have on living things, and possible solutions. It is a three-day unit with each day consisting of a 60-minute class period. Times can be adjusted to meet school-specific needs.