Muskoka Tourism, in collaboration with the communities in the region, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Muskoka Lakes, Bracebridge, Georgian Bay and Lake of Bays, is excited to announce the launch of its new astro-tourism event series and campaign: Muskoka: Home of the Stars. From October 17th to November 20th, 2024, visitors are invited to explore the stunning night skies of Muskoka with expert guides leading interactive programs.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the stars, witnessing the northern lights, or capturing the Milky Way, Muskoka is the ultimate destination. Home to the renowned Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve and countless other prime stargazing locations, Muskoka offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the night sky in all its glory. As part of this campaign, we’re inviting astro-enthusiasts to look up and discover where the ‘Stars’ truly live.
Throughout the campaign, Muskoka will host over 25 stargazing experiences across the region with local experts, all free to attend. Programs include:
- Beginner Stargazing & Astrophotography
- Star Stories & Smudging: Honouring the Night Sky
- Gather Under the Moon
- Myths + Legends Under the Stars
“Astro-tourism is rapidly gaining popularity and Muskoka provides an extraordinary setting for both amateur and expert stargazers” says Val Hamilton, Executive Director of Muskoka Tourism. “Many people living in urban areas with significant light pollution have never truly experienced the stunning beauty of the night sky and the countless stars visible.”
Muskoka’s astro-tourism experts, led by Robin Tapley, will guide these events, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for the night sky. The guides — Emara, Phil, Emily and Vanessa — are all accomplished astronomy enthusiasts eager to share their love for the stargazing.
The Muskoka: Home of the Stars campaign is primarily aimed at residents of the Greater Toronto Area, encouraging overnight stays and extended visits to Muskoka. For the full event schedule and to register for an event, visit DiscoverMuskoka.ca.
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Unfortunately Muskoka night skies are getting brighter not darker.
New super bright, glaring LED streetlights are a problem and create much brighter night skies.
Including in Muskoka.
Drive down any street at night and look at a streetlight.
Very bright, glaring, distracting light from the side long before you get to the light.
And notice how much it lights up homes instead of just the road.
Dark skies is supposed to be a priority here but, clearly, it is not.
There are dark sky bylaws but they are ignored by those in charge of streetlights.
Many homes and cottages are also now lit up all night.
Differences between old and new streetlights is visible from space.
In fact “Astronauts found something troubling in these shots from space”
New streetlights here are far too bright.
Huge increase in brightness for no reason at all.
“Residents say new LED streetlights are blinding”
“TOO BRIGHT: Residents fighting back against new LED streetlights in Kamloops”
“Bad Streetlights – International Dark-Sky Association”
Solutions already exist.
Communities want the sideways glare eliminated with side shields.
Light up the road only, not everything else within 50 metres.
Dimmer new lights similar to the old lights exist as well.
And “pursuing options such as true down-lighting, amber coloured light, lighting only when and where needed.”