NANAIMO — A pair of concrete pads installed at a popular north Nanaimo park are hoped to draw more people to astronomy.
A pilot project between the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Astronomy Society led to a favoured new place to take in the planets and stars.
Located between the parking lot and beach facing the Pacific Ocean, Nanaimo Astronomy Society past president and secretary, Chris Boar, said having a designated dark-sky venue is hard to find in urban settings.
“The night sky is what we consider to be a vanishing resource with increased light pollution. We were very keen to establish somewhere the public could view the night sky with relatively low light pollution.”
The two pads are located between the parking lot and Salish Sea. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Installed late last year, Boar said the concrete pads provide a sturdy base for stargazers, while there is a strong vantage point to the south, which follows the path of viewable planets.
“You need a nice, solid, stable platform for that; it’s just really to establish somewhere the public knows where they can go to see the night sky.”
So far, Boar said, reviews have been strong of the recently added dark-sky location.
Nanaimo Astronomy Society has hosted several viewing gatherings at the park, Boar said, including organizations such as the Scouts, Girl Guides, science groups, and other local organizations hoping to learn more about the galaxy.
“Most people have never looked through a telescope, so they’re blown away when they see Jupiter or Saturn through a telescope.”
As part of the pilot project, interpretive signage has been installed at the site.
This interpretive info board is included in the dark-sky pilot project at Pipers Lagoon Park. (Image Credit: Nanaimo Astronomy Society/City of Nanaimo)
Finding a suitable dark-sky location in a suitable, accessible location hasn’t been easy, Boar said, who pointed to Nanaimo’s growing urban light dome as a constant challenge.
“Unfortunately, it’s been very difficult for us to find really dark skies near Nanaimo. You generally have to head out to the coast, which is why we’re very happy that the City has worked with us to establish somewhere that the public can at least enjoy reasonably dark skies.”
Stating galaxies and other hard-to-spot deep space features typically require trips to isolated areas, Boar said most people who’ve engaged with their organization are interested in spotting and learning more about planets.
He said an investment in the $400 to $500 range will produce a long-lasting, reliable planet-spotting telescope.
Boar said hopefully the night-sky initiative at Piper’s Lagoon Park will lead to a permanent Urban Star Park designation from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Large stands of trees helps shield out light at Pipers Lagoon Park. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW.)
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