Join us online or in person for our July 2024 Berkshire Green Drinks event featuring Smith College Professor of Astronomy James Lowenthal and focusing on the effects of light pollution on wildlife, humans, and the natural environment.

James will lead us on a virtual tour of the night—how the natural world comes alive, how humans and other diurnal creatures need darkness to thrive, how artificial light at night upsets ecosystems, and how the growing international Dark Sky movement is working to rein in light pollution and protect and bring back natural darkness at night.

DATE: Wednesday, July 10

TIME: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (in person starts at 5:00 pm, presentation at 6)

LOCATION: Big Elm Brewing Taproom, 65 Silver Street, Sheffield, MA 01257 & Online via Zoom
Please Note: There are only chips and salsa available for food at this location. However, Roma Pizzeria in Canaan, CT, will deliver to the brewery. You’re also welcome to bring your own food.

Click here to RSVP for in-person.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Click here to register for online participation.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
James Lowenthal, Mary Elizabeth Moses Professor and Chair of Astronomy at Smith College, uses large telescopes in space and on the ground to study the formation of galaxies in the early Universe and also uses Smith’s rooftop telescope with a team of students to study exoplanets orbiting stars in our Milky Way galaxy. He works locally, nationally, and internationally to protect the night sky from light pollution and satellite constellations.

What is Berkshire Green Drinks? Berkshire Green Drinks (formerly Pittsfield Green Drinks) is an informal gathering on the second Wednesday of the month that is free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. A guest speaker talks about an environmentally-related topic for approximately 30 minutes beginning at 6 PM; the presentation is followed by a discussion and Q&A. The drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join and bring along questions!

What is Green Drinks? Green Drinks is an international forum where people who work in the environmental field and environmental enthusiasts meet for a drink and snacks at informal sessions. There will be a lively mix of people from non-profit organizations, academia, government, business, and the general public. Green Drinks is a great way of catching up with people you know and for making new contacts. These networking events are very simple and unstructured. Come along, and you’ll be made welcome.