Laatsch quoted in Press Herald article on dark sky designations
The Portland Press Herald quoted Shawn Laatsch, director for the University of Maine’s Emera Astronomy Center, in an article on dark sky designations and the state’s potential for astrotourism. Several locations in Maine are considering applying for official designation by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as dark sky sanctuaries, parks or reserves — the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Acadia National Park and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods Initiative land holdings in the 100-Mile Wilderness area. The IDA works to preserve “our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.” According to Laatsch, “We have sort of taught our society to fear the dark,” but the night sky has been used as a resource for navigation and agriculture, among other purposes, by different cultures around the world and throughout history, and the night sky is worth preserving and being recognized for its value. The Sun Journal also published the Press Herald report.