When was the last time you looked up at the stars on a clear, dark night, far away from streetlights? Artificial light at night has become ubiquitous and the negative effects on wildlife and human health are well documented. Feeding, mating, and migration behaviors of insects and other wildlife evolved with the complete darkness of night. As light pollution erodes this darkness, the survival of many of these species is at risk. What is the scope of the problem and what can we collectively do to help? Join LLCT for a Fireside Chat with James Lowenthal, Professor of Astronomy at Smith College to learn about light pollution and how we can minimize its negative effects.
James Lowenthal is the Mary Elizabeth Moses Professor of Astronomy at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. He received his BS in Physics and Astronomy from Yale and his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Arizona.
He studies the formation and evolution of galaxies, especially actively star-forming galaxies. He served as Vice President of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) from 2016-2019 and serves on the AAS Committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris. He is the Massachusetts Chapter Leader for the International Dark-Sky Association.
Lowenthal is active locally, nationally, and internationally in the movement to fight light pollution and protect the naturally dark night sky. He also works to promote action to stop climate change.
This is a virtual program. Free, all are welcome. Register here on Eventbrite to receive the Zoom Meeting Information.
Moon photo taken by Maury Eldridge in Lincoln, MA