Losing the Dark – The Importance of Dark Skies to Astronomy, Nature, and Us

Finding truly dark skies has gotten harder and harder as humanity has become more
urban. This not only makes it difficult for astronomers to see faint night sky objects. It
has an effect on wildlife who also take their cues from the stars. Join Dr. Mindy
Townsend, astronomer with the Dudley Observatory at Siena, as she discusses the unintended consequences of lighting up the world
.

![img]()

Dr. Mindy Townsend is the Dudley Astronomer with Siena College in Loudonville, NY. After earning a BA in Political Science, a BS in Physics, and then a Law Degree, and passing her bar, she then returned to her original passion for space and astronomy, and received a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Kansas where her dissertation focused on how very massive galaxies grow. She has over 5 years experience conducting outreach and communicating science with K-12 students and the public.
This program begins at 1:00 PM, both in-person and via Zoom. The in-person event will be held at Pinnacle Living, 45 Forts Ferry Road, Latham, NY. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available starting at 12:30 PM. Please bring your own beverage.
If you wish to attend via Zoom and are not a current member of CDHS, email your request to [email protected] several days prior to the event. Or use the RSVP on this page, and the link will be available.
The Capital District Humanist Society provides a supportive community for exchanging ideas, heightening our knowledge of the world and ourselves, fostering moral and ethical growth, and promoting the principles of non-theistic humanism. CDHS is a member organization for people with humanist values. Our values include commitment to free inquiry, rational thought, life-long education, democracy, social concern, and fellowship.
To learn more about us, please go to www.humanistsociety.net