International DarkSky Week 2026
April 13-20
Truman State University
What is International Dark Sky Week?
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night. From the darkness that supports critical wildlife ecosystems to the star-filled skies we enjoy, the night is filled with wonder and importance. For additional information, click here.
IDSW 2026 Program at Truman State
The program for IDSW 2026 is outlined in the table below. Two star parties (weather permitting) will be held, one at the Point Shelter at 1000 Hills State Park on the 17th of April 2026 (Friday) from 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Another will be at the Truman State Observatory at the Truman State Farm on April 20 (Monday) from 8:30PM – 10:30PM. We will have several telescopes to observe deep-sky objects, night-vision goggles, and students will lead a constellation tour across the sky to highlight prominent stars and constellations. Handouts and brochures that explain how to purchase Dark Sky friendly lighting and how to advocate for responsible lighting with your neighbors will be provided.
The event on April 18, 2026 will be at the Del & Norma Robison Planetarium in Magruder Hall on the Truman State Campus. This event will begin at 7:00 and conclude around 10:00PM. You are welcome to come and go as you please. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. The highlight of this event is lighting demos and talks by Truman faculty and students, and brainstorming sessions about improving outdoor lighting in the Kirksville community and planning for a “DarkSky Festival” at Thousand hills in April 2027!
| Date | Time | Location | Activities | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17th April (Friday) | 8:30PM – 10:30PM | Point Shelter, Thousand Hills SP | Star Party | Constellations tour & telescopes |
| 18th April (Sat) | 7:00PM – 7:15PM | Magruder Hall Planetarium | Welcome and Introductions | Outline of program and Attendee Introductions |
| 18th April (Sat) | 7:15PM – 7:30PM | Planetarium | Outdoor Lighting: The Good, Bad, and Ugly | Hands-on activities and show-and-tell demos |
| 18th April (Sat) | 7:30PM – 8:00PM | Planetarium | DarkSky Festival 2027 Brainstorm I | Scope and planning for DarkSky Festival 2027 |
| 18th April (Sat) | 8:00PM – 8:45PM | start @ Planetarium | Nightwalk: Fountain Plaza and Quad | Show-and-tell; Rate luminaires based on five principles |
| 18th April (Sat) | 9:00PM – 9:30PM | Planetarium | DarkSky Festival 2027 Brainstorm II | Form committee and broad outline for DarkSky Festival 2027 |
| 20th April (Mon) | 8:30PM – 10:30PM | Truman State Observatory | Star Party | Constellations tour & telescopes |