Explore the night skies when local astronomer Kelly Clitheroe presents Dark Skies, a free astronomical talk at Point Lonsdale Surf Club on Wednesday, July 16.
President of Dark Sky Victoria and director of the Astronomical Society of Victoria Geelong Section, Ms Clitheroe will discuss the wonder the unpolluted night sky can inspire and how we can reduce light pollution.
Ms Clitheroe said the ever-brighter lights in our region were depriving us of the chance to fully experience the night sky.
“If you talk to anyone about the last time they saw the dark sky, they’ll be able to tell you when that was… and the effect that had on them,” she said.
“That effect is awe, and awe calms us and inspires creativity. It’s so good for our mental health, which is why we need to be able to see the dark skies.
“We’ve got a fantastic opportunity (in Geelong) to see the Southern Aurora, but all this light pollution mutes it. People should be using this as an astro tourism site but light pollution in our area is just growing and growing.”
The event is part of the fourth Geelong Nature Festival, presented by the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Field Naturalists Club from July 12 to 27.
Jeanette Spittle, coordinator of the City’s Environment and Biodiversity program, said the public good will and enthusiasm for the festival was overwhelming.
“People get so engaged with it and get so excited about being involved in it, the kids especially,” Ms Spittle said.
“We’re really focusing on getting young people and young families involved. They’re the next generation and they’re so important.”
Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/naturefestival to book a spot at Dark Skies.
