Dark Skies, Bright Minds
Noctilucent Clouds over Big Tub Lighthouse, Tobermory, Ontario by Bill Caulfeild-Browne
The 3rd Sources of Knowledge Forum: Dark Skies, Bright Minds was held on April 29-30, 2011 in Tobermory, Ontario. The Forum brought together 120 students and educators, researchers, citizens, business operators, resource managers, and policy-makers to explore the significance of the Bruce Peninsula’s dark skies.
The Bruce Peninsula is one of the few remaining places in southern Ontario with dark skies. In 2004, the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula was declared a ‘Dark Sky Community’ and, in 2009, Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park were jointly designated a ‘Dark Sky Preserve’ by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. The 2011 Sources of Knowledge Forum built on this foundation of community support by providing participants with a deeper, enriched understanding of the value of dark skies and an understanding of their role in its protection.
PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
The two-day event featured local, regional, national, and international leaders through a series of presentations, workshops, and field trips on a wide range of topics related to dark skies, including:
- Importance of dark skies to astronomy
- Nocturnal activity in the waters of Lake Huron
- Bat ecology
- Fireflies and other insects of the night
- Safeguarding migratory birds
- Effects of light pollution on reptiles and amphibians
- Aboriginal perspectives of the night sky
- Local history of maritime navigation
- Darks skies and ecotourism
- Regional planning for dark skies
- Dark skies conservation and stewardship
Speakers and Workshop Leaders
Click here to view information about our speakers.
EXHIBITIONS
The Forum offered two exhibitions focused on dark skies. An Exhibitor’s Gallery showcased local and regional groups engaged in dark skies initiatives and provided valuable information and resources on dark skies stewardship. Continuing throughout the week following the Forum, a Dark Skies Art Gallery featured amateur and professional photographers celebrating the beauty of our night sky.
EVENING PROGRAMS
On the evening of April 29, 2011 the Forum offered a whitefish dinner in support of the Outers Program at Bruce Peninsula District School and a dinner speaker. This event provided participants and the public with opportunities to meet leaders in dark skies and share their own knowledge and perspectives. On the following evening, April 30, 2011, participants were given opportunities to participate in dark skies programs, such as a visit to the Quetican Observatory in Lion’s Head and a night hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Program Overview
Click here to view a copy of the Program for this year’s event.
