09/21/2023
Darkness is just one of many resources which Acadia National Park and our neighboring communities seek to protect. The park has benefitted from various research studies, night sky quality assessments, and grant funds to replace many lighting fixtures to keep Acadia’s skies as free from light pollution as possible.
Humans and almost all other species on Earth need predictable and uninterrupted dark periods to keep a healthy circadian rhythm and to keep population numbers strong. Bats, birds, and bobcats are just a few of the animals of Acadia which depend on unpolluted night skies. Moths, insects, and other pollinators are also very dependent on darkness.
So as darkness falls earlier, we hope you’ll turn off your exterior lights, take a break from the screen you’re looking at right now, and use all your senses to appreciate the sights and sounds of autumn nights.
During the week of Sept 10-16, the park is offering a series of free public programs celebrating its night skies. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/stargazing.htm
(Photo by Ashley L. Conti, Friends of Acadia)
