The Durham Region Astronomical Association: Event List

Posted by: Michael Cook Category: Monthly Meetings Contact: draa-president@drastronomy.com
When: Wednesday 09 April 2014 at 11:00 pm Ends: Thursday 10 April 2014 at 01:00 am
Location: Whitby Library - Central Branch Meeting Room 1 A/B 405 Dundas Street West Whitby, Ontario
Add to My April 2014 Monthly Meeting Agenda Member Survey Results and Pizza Party Discussion Outcomes Presented by Michael J Cook, President, DRAA Michael will present the results of the member survey conducted at the January 2014 meeting. "The City Dark" A search for night on a planet that never sleeps Bullfrog films produced this award winning documentary video on the growing problem of light pollution and its negative impact on human health, wildlife migrations and reproduction, and the loss of stars from the night time sky. The video follows filmmaker and amateur astronomer Ian Cheney who moves from his rural home to the bright lights of New York City and asks, "What do we lose when we lose the night?" A lot it turns out: loss of circadian rhythm and the resulting increase in cancer rates, disorientation - and massive loss - of wildlife, and new generation of people disconnected from the stars and views of the universe. The video not only documents the destructive consequences of light pollution, but offers solutions such as limiting lighting to only what's needed, and using shields to cut-off light shining sideways and up where it serves no useful purpose and causes so much harm. What's Up in the Night Sky Presented by Jeff Dutton, Director of the Members' Observing Committee Jeff offers a tour on objects suitable for observing for April and early May. The Whitby Central Library is on the south side of Dundas St at Henry St. View Larger Map