Why Darkness Matters

WHY DARKNESS MATTERS

Every night, as artificial light floods our skies, wildlife everywhere is fighting to survive in the dark. Birds lose their way on ancient migration routes. Sea turtle hatchlings crawl toward streetlights instead of the sea. Bats and moths, disoriented by glare, struggle to feed and pollinate. From the air to the land to the ocean depths, countless species depend on true darkness to navigate, hunt, and thrive — and when that darkness disappears, so do they.

Join us for an eye-opening evening of telescope viewing, deep-space photography, and expert talks on why protecting the night sky matters more than ever.

TIME & PLACE

Saturday, November 7, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Santa Rosa Church, 1174 Main St., Cambria.

Cost is $18/person. Children 12 and under are free.

SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE PURCHASE EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT. 

DETAILS

Presentations

Abby Wong, From the Stars to the Sea 

Abby is studying marine science at Cal State Monterey Bay. She will discuss the implications of light pollution on marine life and life on land. She strives to go beyond traditional astronomy and highlight how interconnected outer space is to the depths of the ocean and the life that lives within it. She will also share her research into the possibility of growing plants on the moon and Mars.

Kurt Kuhlmann, Visitors from the Void

Kurt will discuss the (sometimes mysterious) interstellar objects that pass close to earth. He is a physicist and electrical engineer active in astronomy since age 13 when he built his first telescope. He has been a volunteer for Lick Observatory for 21 years, bringing astronomy to the public as part of their Music of the Spheres program. 

Bill Haas, Bats & the Billion-Dollar Favor They do Farmers

Bill is a biologist and director of the Central Coast Bat Survey, which studies the connection between bats and agriculture. The survey is the primary research project of the Pacific Coast Conservation Alliance. Creating bat habitats, especially in and around vineyards, can contribute to the sustainable management of pests (especially insects) and can help restore biodiversity. Little is known about Central California’s bats, and we are delighted that Bill can share new information with us. 

Other Activities

Night Sky Viewing

Powerful telescopes will be available for everyone who wants a closeup view of the night sky, courtesy of Central Coast astronomers and the CalPoly Astronomical Society.

Silent Auction

Help support our work to protect Cambria’s starry skies, with educational and fun events like this one, our dark sky-compliant outdoor lighting replacement program for Cambria’s business district, and coordination with neighboring towns to protect more of our precious coastal areas from light pollution. 

Hot chocolate and celestial cookies provided.