It’s International Dark Sky Week.
Stargazing has been a popular tourist attraction in Yarmouth and Acadian Shores.
Particularly, the Deep Sky Eye Observatory in Quinan was certified as a UNESCO Starlight Tourist Destination in North America.
Owner and operator of the observatory Tim Doucette wants to make sure it stays that way.
He says Yarmouth County’s dark skies are a natural resource that needs to be protected.
“Light pollution has an effect on natural resources. We have a UNESCO biosphere here. On the front of protecting nocturnal life. Light pollution has an effect on our own health as well.”
Doucette says it’s not hard to make a difference in reducing light pollution.
He says motion sensor lights are a simple way to help, and save yourself some money.
The observatory is a certified Star Light Tourist Destination.
Doucette says astro-tourism to the area increased by over 200 percent before the pandemic.
“People are coming to Yarmouth and Acadian Shores to look at the stars. Yarmouth has an incredible opportunity right now to become a dark sky community.”
He says he’s presenting to Yarmouth town council next month about dark sky friendly lighting.
