Environmental Lecture Series: Dark Skies Matter

Join Robin Gill from The Wilderness Center (TWC) in Wilmot, Ohio, for her presentation of “Why Do Dark Skies Matter & What We as Individuals Can Do to Make Our Homes & Yards Dark Sky Friendly” as part of the Environmental Lecture Series at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 in Orchestra Hall.

Light pollution was a term coined by astronomers, but today, it is used by ecologists, physiologists, and neurologists who study the effects of the disappearing night. Loss of the night is no longer just about losing our view of the heavens, it’s about all living things, including humans.

Of all the types of pollution humans have created, light pollution is one that average citizens can do something about. In this lecture, we’ll look at what light pollution is and explore the impact that it has on all living creatures. Dark skies start at home. Learn how you can reduce light pollution and make your home dark-sky friendly.

Gill joined TWC’s Education Staff in 2017 as the Astronomy Education Specialist after many years as a volunteer and Board member at TWC. In 2019, she took on the additional role of Dark-Sky Initiative Coordinator. In this position, she is leading TWC’s effort to achieve Urban Dark-Sky Accreditation, which includes providing dark-sky education and assistance to those who want to make their homes, yards and communities dark-sky friendly.

Gill graduated from Mount Union with a bachelor’s in physics and astronomy. In addition to a long career in the energy industry, she served as Science Director at the William McKinley Museum. She helped found and nurture TWC Astronomy Club for over 25 years. In particular, she contributed to many educational efforts, including Astronomy Days, planetarium education, outreach programs and the building of TWC’s Astronomy Education Building.