Watch the skies!

Add another festival to the list of spring festival season. On March 18, night sky advocates will gather in Dripping Springs for the Texas Night Sky Festival. According to a press release, “All attendees will join in fun citizen science activities, learn from engaging speakers and exhibits, see examples of good lighting for their home or business, view school projects and competition entries focused on protecting the night sky, feast at the food trucks, take home a book or work of art inspired by the night sky, earn a related scouting badge, or explore the stars” in an effort aimed at increasing appreciation of night skies and increasing awareness about their preservation. The next day, March 19, will feature discussions about preserving dark skies with speakers from the McDonald Observatory, the Texas Astronomical Society, the Texas Night Sky Coalition and the Hill Country Dark Sky Reserve. Tickets, information and a chance to reserve breakfast are available online.