On July 17, at 7pm, The Charlemont Forum is pleased to welcome Douglas Arion who will give a talk on light pollution, its harmful effects on nature and humanity, and ways in which we can try to reduce them. This free
presentation will take place at the Charlemont Federated Church, on Rte 2 in Charlemont.

As the Executive Director of Mountains of Stars, Dr. Arion explained that the organization offers astronomy-themed nature and environmental programs to educate the public and encourage action to protect the environment. Since launching in 2012, more than 72,000 people have been reached through these special programs.

Why is the environment treated so poorly? Douglas Arion thinks that if people looked up and understood where we came from and where we fit in the Universe, maybe, just maybe, we would become better stewards of the Earth.

Educating the public on environmental awareness, astrology, and the study of the universe for the past several decades has fostered a generation of students who have applied their newly acquired skills to become Forest Rangers, middle and high school science teachers, science outreach professionals, and research scientists in both industry and academia. Their achievements underscore the importance of public engagement in environmental conservation and scientific disciplines.

Douglas Arion, PhD is Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy and Donald D. Hedberg Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurial Studies at Carthage College. He co-founded Galileoscope, a worldwide project to provide high quality, low cost telescopes for worldwide promotion of science education and outreach. More than 260,000 are now in use in over 110 countries. He was the driving force in the creation of the AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park, which protects over 100,000 acres of land in the last dark sky region of the eastern United States.

You can find out more about Mountains of Stars at www.mountainofstars.org

The Charlemont Forum is funded by individual donations and the Massachusetts Cultural Council including grants, from Amherst Buckland, Charlemont/Hawley, Colrain, Conway, Goshen, Heath, Leyden, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne.

Learn more and find zoom link here

DATE: Thursday, July 17

TIME: 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St, Charlemont AND livestream via Zoom