#United States #Minnesota #Voyageurs National Park #Boreal Stargazing #Boundary Waters

Boreal Stargazing Week in Northern Minnesota

This February, from the 9th to the 15th, Minnesota will shine brighter than ever with its annual Boreal Stargazing Week. This remarkable winter event invites both locals and visitors to enjoy one of the largest dark sky regions across the globe, nestled in the northern part of the state. Participants can engage in a wide range of in-person and virtual activities designed to beautify the night sky experience.

Coordinated by the esteemed Voyageurs Conservancy and Friends of the Boundary Waters, the theme for this year's celebration is "Art of the Night Sky," which beautifully intertwines the realms of science, creativity, and the importance of conservation. Home to Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this region offers superb opportunities for stargazing and nighttime exploration, lying along the picturesque Minnesota-Canadian border.

Exciting Events Await

Boreal Stargazing Week gathers astronomers, enthusiasts, and students amid a vibrant programming lineup that promises to engage and educate. Some notable activities feature winter stargazing hikes, snowshoeing and ski outings, telescope demonstrations, astrophotography opportunities, and art-related events exploring the beautiful connection between art and astronomy. This captivating program reaches approximately 40,000 students across the nation each year, drawing classrooms from various states, including Minnesota, Maryland, California, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico.

The event is largely made possible by the collaborative efforts of organizations such as Starry Skies North, the National Park Service (NPS), the Superior National Forest, Expeditions in Education, Polar Polers Ski Club, Wood Lake Nature Center, and The Bell Museum, all united in fostering public appreciation for dark skies and their preservation.

Community Events Across Minnesota

The Boreal Stargazing Week unfolds numerous events throughout Minnesota, inviting individuals to explore the wonders of the night sky. Various engaging happenings include:

• - Kickoff Event: Twin Cities Dark Sky Party on February 6 at Richfield Community Center
• - Ely Area Art and Astrophotography Night Hike on February 10
• - Painting the Universe for Boreal Stargazing Week at Duluth Planetarium on February 12
• - Let's Go to Jupiter with Astro Bob at Voyageurs National Park on February 13
• - Star Party When Stars Align in Carver on February 13
• - Love Written in the Winter Sky at Voyageurs National Park on February 14
• - Virtual Art Talk with Sam Zimmerman titled "Our Relatives at Night" on February 14
• - Valentine's Day Cross Country Ski Stargazing on February 14 at Voyageurs National Park
• - Oberg Mountain Candlelit Snowshoe in Lutsen on February 14
• - Bell Museum Space Fest: A Love Letter to Earth on February 14 and 15 in Falcon Heights

Nationwide Virtual School Programming

In addition to live events, Boreal Stargazing Week maximizes its reach by offering free livestreamed sessions designed for K-12 classrooms nationwide. These educational sessions will allow students and educators to learn from experts regarding the cultural and scientific significance of the night sky, and initiatives to help preserve it. Key sessions include:

• - Step Outside: Your Guide to the Winter Night Sky on February 9, focusing on winter stars and constellations, led by a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
• - Through Ice and Stars: Stories Beneath the Northern Sky on February 10, exploring winter in Voyageurs and its indigenous ties to ice fishing and stargazing.
• - The Northern Lights: Inspiration in the Boundary Waters on February 12, covering why the Boundary Waters is recognized as a Dark Sky Sanctuary and tips for stargazing from home.

Partner Quotes

Remarking on the beauty of Minnesota's dark skies, Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director of Voyageurs Conservancy, highlighted the value of the event: "Minnesota's dark skies are celebrated for their beauty, wildlife and ecosystem value, and Boreal Stargazing Week turns them into a space for learning, storytelling, and shared stewardship."

Alison Nyenhuis, education director for Friends of the Boundary Waters, adds, "During Boreal Stargazing Week, community members can enjoy diverse activities blending art, science, and the enchantment of truly dark skies. These in-person and online programs help people discover why Minnesota is home to one of the largest International Dark Sky Sanctuaries."

Conclusion

Boreal Stargazing Week presents a rare opportunity to witness the celestial wonders while fostering community, education, and stewardship towards the preservation of dark skies. Explore, connect, and enjoy the night in splendid Minnesota – we invite you to join us from February 9-15! For further details on events, registration, and schedules, please visit voyageurs.org/stargazingweek or friends-bwca.org/stargazing.