Alpine, Texas, is set to host its first Alpine Dark Sky Festival, a two-day event beginning on April 5th at 8:00 pm and concluding on April 6th at 10:30 pm. This celebration, held at the Visit Alpine Pavilion at 106 N 3rd Street, coincides with International Dark Skies Week, highlighting the region’s exceptional night skies, now recognized as the world’s largest Dark Sky Place.
The festival, orchestrated by the Alpine Visitor Center and other local organizations, aims to raise awareness and educate the community and visitors about the importance of preserving the night sky against the ever-increasing threat of light pollution. Heather Yadon, the tourism coordinator at the Alpine Visitor Center, emphasized the growing allure of the Big Bend region’s night sky as a significant draw for tourists, noting the adverse effects of light pollution on star visibility.
Stephen Hummel, the McDonald Observatory Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator, underlined the critical status of the Big Bend area as one of the last bastions in North America where the night sky can be viewed in its full glory. The designation of this area as an International Dark Sky Place by DarkSky International in 2022 underscores its importance. The certification encompasses Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis counties, several state parks, and adjacent lands in Mexico, spanning over 15,000 miles.
The festival’s schedule includes a variety of activities aimed at all ages, including educational classes, stargazing events, children’s programming, and musical performances. Hummel will also lead stargazing sessions at Kokernot Park, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the celestial wonders overhead.
Local efforts to combat light pollution through better lighting practices, such as using appropriately shielded and colored lights, have been highlighted as crucial steps towards preserving the dark sky. These measures, coupled with outdoor lighting ordinances adopted by the local cities and counties, have contributed to a 20% reduction in light pollution since 2020.
The Dark Sky Celebration not only marks a significant moment for Alpine in recognizing and preserving its night skies but also offers a prelude to the solar eclipse on April 8. Although Alpine lies approximately 200 miles from the eclipse’s path of totality, the festival will provide eclipse glasses and promises an excellent viewing experience without the overcrowding and inflated lodging costs seen in other areas.
For more details on the festival’s schedule and activities, visitors are encouraged to check the event’s website at https://visitalpinetx.com. This celebration is a testament to the community’s commitment to environmental preservation and offers a unique opportunity for both residents and tourists to experience the beauty of the night sky in West Texas.
Texas Reporter 