08/12/2026
It’s pretty dark up here on the shore!
At 10:30 tonight, Northern Michigan is going to look a little darker. For one hour, on this night of the August new moon, the Village of Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge will turn off non-essential lighting while we conduct a sky quality meter reading to see if we can achieve the darkest skies ever recorded at Headlands International Dark Sky Park!
Thank you to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Village of Mackinaw City, and all residents and businesses who participate in this annual advocacy event to raise awareness about light pollution.
Also tonight: At 8pm Veronica Danks-Lozen from the Otsego Conservation District will present on light pollution and the effects it has on humans, animals and plants. This is a free program for all ages. Just show up!
Afterward, stay for stargazing and take a look through Staff Astronomer Nolan’s telescopes, weather permitting. The Perseids meteor shower will be at its peak tonight around 11pm, but it won’t be visible over the trees. Best viewing will be during the late night/early a.m. hours when the radiant is high in the sky.
Visitors, be aware: around 10:50 p.m. we will turn all red lighting out in the viewing area to collect our readings. At this time, we ask everyone to try to stay seated or stay put for safety. We will let everyone know before we go lights out!