Thursday, March 27, 2025

Milky Way Festival Showcases Crawford’s Stellar Nighttime Beauty

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Crawford County, known for its pristine night skies, recently hosted a Milky Way Festival that attracted star-gazers despite the area’s ongoing struggle against light pollution, or Artificial Light At Night (ALAN). Organized by the Louisville Astronomical Society, the festival aimed to celebrate Crawford’s low ALAN levels, a rarity in the state as nearby regions like Georgetown and Sellersburg face significant light pollution due to development. The event, which had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather, showcased the region’s clear celestial views, prompting discussions about the long-term impacts of light pollution on wildlife, energy consumption, and human health. Advocating for better lighting practices, DarkSky International emphasizes reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting to preserve the natural nighttime environment. Crawford County plans to hold another Milky Way Festival in 2025, continuing its commitment to star preservation amidst mounting concerns over light pollution.

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