morehead planetarium

For generations, everyone experienced the breathtaking beauty of an unspoiled night sky, with views into our Universe of thousands of stars, the Milky Way and even another galaxy. Inspired by the sky, those who came before us told imaginative stories about the patterns they saw in the stars. But when many of us go home tonight and look up, we may not see much more than a washed-out orange glow.

During this program, we'll use the Zeiss VI star projector to reveal how light pollution--the illumination of the atmosphere by outdoor lighting--robs us of our heritage of a natural dark sky. And we'll experience the sky studded with stars--and stories--as our ancestors did and as our grandchildren might, if we commit to better designed outdoor lighting.

Following the Star Theater presentation, join us for a short walking tour (choose North Campus or downtown) to consider how our outdoor lighting might improve visibility and safety, while also minimizing energy use. Back at the Morehead Sundial, telescopes will be active. Be sure to check out Saturn and Mars.

Co-sponsored by UNC Sustainability Office; Chapel Hill Town Council Committee for Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment; and CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society).

Free. Part of UNC’s Earth Week celebration.