With the kind permission of photo individuals, the Rockport Recreation Area in Alpena is seen under a full sky of stars and in this undated photo by Robyn Porteen, the President of Darksky Michigan, look through a telescope. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Rockport Recreation Area is a recognized Dark Sky Preserve.
Alpena – Governor Gretchen Whitmer said that April 21 to April 28th this year will be the Dark Sky Week in Michigan. Although all state-managed paths and some state-managed parks remain closed due to ice storm damage, there are still many options for how the residents of Northeast Michigan can take part and appreciate in Michigan Night Skies.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicates that the International Dark Sky Week takes place every spring. This event is organized by the International Dark-Sky Association to promote the star gas and to clarify the negative effects of light pollution.
Robyn Porten, President of Darksky Michigan, said that Dark Sky Week is an important event for Michigan's night sky.
“(IT) is an important opportunity for residents of Michigan to counter light pollution that darkens the stars, disturbs wild animals and wandering birds and affects human health,” said Porteen. “This global event, led by Darksky International, encourages the residents of Michigan to preserve the breathtaking night sky of our state by switching off unnecessary outdoor lights and visiting one of the International Parkksky Parks in Michigan or preserving Michigan Dark Sky for Sternenengas.”
Porteen said that people can also connect virtual events from Dark Sky Week to hear from speakers around the world.
“With the participation, the Michigan residents help protect our heavenly heritage for future generations,” said Porteen.
In Whitmer's proclamation she states that there are nine committed land areas for Dark Sky in Michigan. Three of these areas are internationally recognized and six are Dark Sky Preserves. The nearby Dark Sky Conserves include Negwegon State Park, Rockport Recreation Area and Thompson's Harbor State Park.
According to DNR, Rockport Recreation Area and Thompson's Harbor State Park, however, due to the uncertain conditions, the ice storm remain closed.
Fortunately, the Negwegon State Park is currently accessible to the public and the main town for stargas.
Eric Ostrander, Unit Supervisor of the Negwegon State Park and Harrisville State Park, said that after the recent ice storm, only minimal clean -up work was necessary to bring the Negwegon State Park back for the public.
“We had to clean up very little,” said Ostrander.
Overall, Ostrander said that the damage that the Negwegon State Park had suffered was nothing more than what a strong windstorm would cause. According to Ostrander, the Negwegon State Park is open “Pro Normal”.
To get access to the park, individuals only have to go back through a seasonal County Road, said Ostrander.
In contrast to three to four hours to a remote place on the upper peninsula, Ostrander said that the convenience and closeness of the Negwegon State Park make it an appealing place.
For Stargazing, Ostrander said that Negwegon State Park is the perfect place because it becomes very dark and does not get any light pollution from Alpena. Ostrander believes that star gazing attracts people because of the stories, history and myths.
“Some people love the stories of the stars and how people thought they were gods,” said Ostrander.
Ostrander also believes that science and the secret of space moves people towards Stargazing and Dark Heaven, parks.
According to Ostrander, the park began the process of name Dark Sky 10 years ago. As part of this name, Ostrander said that there are some provisions.
“There can be no future development that would disturb the night sky,” said Ostrander.
For the Dark Sky Week, Ostrander said that at this time of year there is perfect for star gas because people don't have to wait long for the stars to come out.
“You don't have to wait until 10, 10:30 a.m. to dark,” said Ostrander.
Ostrander explained that Negwegon State Park is a place that people in the whole state flow due to its designation and access of beach. Ostrander said that some people who come from urban areas are surprised at how many stars there are actually in the night sky.
“People are amazed at the number of stars … It is difficult for them to believe how dark it can be up here,” said Ostrander.
For Stargazing adventure in the Negwegon State Park, Ostrander said that people should arrive before it gets dark to orient themselves and to set up.
“Some people bring out big blankets … (they) let themselves be settled in and wait until it gets dark,” said Ostrander.
When visiting the Negwegon State Park, Ostrander recommends that individuals let friends and family know where they are going since the park has been remote. He also said that it is important to set a kind of red covering like a red bandana to blunt the brightness of flashlights. In this way, light lights do not hinder the star gazing experience of another.
Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@theealpenews.com.
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