FRIDAY JANUARY 13th, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., BORREGO SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

What exactly is “Dark Sky” and why should we as humans demand it?

The answers might be more surprising than you ever imagined.

Borrego Springs is a town that’s an International Dark Sky community, but how can these IDA notions Borrego enjoys make an impact elsewhere on the globe?

This community panel discussion brings together a prominent academic and 2023 BSFF filmmakers to discuss the issue of the skies we all share, especially those that live in light polluted areas. The panel will also talk about the far-reaching impact of astronomy and culture, and why we all should understand and support this profound science.

Noted astronomer Douglas Arion, PhD will offer a short multi-media presentation. Douglas is world renowned for his efforts promoting astronomy.

Doug’s presentation will be followed by audience discussion with the panelists. After the discussion a free screening of panelist Tara Zabriskie’s documentary film “Defending The Dark” will be presented.

Those with PASSES or tickets to BLOCK C of the BSFF are also encouraged to watch panelist Matthew Carlson’s astronomy film “This Wild Abyss,” which starts at 1:00 p.m., at the theater, immediately before this panel.

It’s a day of discovery and education that not to be missed by astronomy enthusiasts as well as those that might be curious as to why we don’t need to be afraid of the dark.

Douglas Arion, PhD is the Executive Director of Mountains of Stars, and is Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy and Donald D. Hedberg Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurial Studies at Carthage College. He is deeply concerned about human impact on the environment, and founded Mountains of Stars to change attitudes and actions of the public by creating ‘environmental awareness from a cosmic perspective’. Prior to Carthage, Arion was head of the Applied Physics and Engineering Division and Assistant Vice President at Science Applications International Corporation (now Leidos), developing and directing research in radiation effects, space systems, and electro- and optical-mechanical systems.

He is a Lifetime member of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and has received the Distinguished Service Award from Sigma Pi Sigma (the physics honorary society), the Volunteer Leadership Award from the AMC, and the Dark Sky Defender award from the IDA. He serves on the dark sky preservation commissions of both the American Astronomical Society and International Astronomical Union (IAU), and is an IAU International Dark Sky Ambassador.

Tara Roberts Zabriskie, owner of Moosey Productions works with organizations on environmental educational videos and has been successful in getting important messages to a wide audience.

Videos she created for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy have reached audiences through social media and classrooms, visitor centers, and PBS stations.

Tara has worked on projects for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, The American Hiking Society, and the National Park Service. Her on-going work with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, highlighted in the Fall 2020 issue of ATC Journeys, has helped motivate her advocacy for IDA

Matthew Carlson, screenwriter who lives in Los Angeles. His is the writer for the historical drama film “The Wild Abyss”.

His film is about the story about a former cowboy turned janitor with an eighth-grade education, Milt Humason, who forms an unlikely friendship with astronomer Edwin Hubble and assists him at Mt. Wilson Observatory.

It’s a partnership that leads to their discovery that the universe is expanding.