Protecting Maine’s Dark Skies
November 4 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A dark night sky is about more than just beautiful views—it’s essential for wildlife, human health, and our sense of wonder! Because of Maine’s vast swaths of uninhabited forestland, the state has some of the darkest, clearest night skies east of the Mississippi River. The AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park is the first and only International Dark Sky Park in New England. In this talk, astronomers John Meader and Shawn Laatsch, along with Maine Master Naturalist Serena Sanborn, will explain why dark skies matter and precisely what people can do to make a difference where they live. This program is presented in partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Maine Chapter.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Serena Sanborn is a Maine Master Naturalist and arts educator for Waterville Creates. As a science communicator, she leads trail walks, volunteers with Dark Sky Maine and Stars Over Katahdin, and attends the Appalachian Mountain Club’s week-long See the Dark Festival. She ardently advocates for Maine’s nocturnal wildlife.
Shawn Laatsch, director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium at the University of Maine, has presented over 10,000 shows and lectured globally since starting his career in 1984. A pioneer in digital dome technology, he taught astronomy at five institutions and served the International Planetarium Society from 1997–2020—18 years as treasurer and six as president—earning its highest honor in 2008, the Service Award. He is passionate about cultural and historical astronomy for all ages.
Since 1979, John Meader has taught astronomy and now directs Northern Stars Planetarium, a portable dome serving 15,000 students annually across Maine. A fellow of the Middle Atlantic and International Planetarium Societies, he serves on the boards of Dark Sky Maine, The Friends of the LC Bates Museum, and the Eagle Hill Institute. He hosts star parties and presentations for land trusts and nonprofits, co-organizes Stars Over Katahdin and the See the Dark Festival, and photographs the night sky for Waterville Creates and the Maine Film Center. Meader is also a Registered Maine Guide, canoeist, and hiker.
2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the Appalachian Mountain Club. The Maine chapter of the AMC is dedicated to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of Maine’s mountains, forests, paths, and trails. Learn more at amcmaine.org and outdoors.org.
