Festival will feature astronomy experts, space-themed experiences and signature events that highlight Jasper’s exceptional stargazing opportunities
Jasper’s dark sky will soon be back in the spotlight.
The 15th iteration of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival is set to illuminate the national park October 17 to 26, and with everything from live music and a drone show to scientific activations and inspiring guest speakers, the iconic annual event has something for everyone.
“The festival is a world-renowned cosmic celebration of astronomy, adventure, and awe-inspiring night sky,” says Tourism Jasper’s Director of Destination Development, Naji Khouri.
Jasper National Park was designated a dark sky preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2011, meaning it’s being actively protected from light pollution to ensure its night sky remains dark.
International Space Station astronaut Robert Thirsk; space medicine expert Kris Lehnhardt; and quantum science instructor Timothy Friesen are just a few of the inspiring figures guests can hear from via the two-week festival’s speaker series.
“Fifteen years is a big deal,” Khouri says. “That’s why we made sure that this year, we’ve thrown in some extra, and exciting, unique programming.”
Live entertainment extravaganza
Canadian music star TALK will headline a free outdoor concert on October 25, followed by Flight of the Swifts, a show with some 300 drones taking flight to tell the story of the endangered black swift and its migration from the Amazon to Jasper.
The Dark Sky Festival has plenty to offer during daytime too, with ScienceFest welcoming visitors to Commemoration Park for explosive scientific demonstrations and other free activities on Oct. 25. Stargazers can also take part in solar-gazing when the sun’s out, thanks to specialized telescopes provided by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Edmonton Centre astronomers.
There’s lots more happening throughout the rest of the festival, including movie nights, activities with local businesses, and opportunities to take part in stargazing tours throughout the park.
“The whole community comes together, businesses come together, all the stakeholders come together, and we put on something super special for visitors and locals in Jasper,” says Khouri.
Power down, look up
Jasper is famous for its fauna and flora, so often visitors are looking out, or down, at the park’s plants, animals and wider ecosystem. But Khouri says the Dark Sky Festival encourages people to view the celestial sights above.
“We’re encouraging people to power down and look up at the beautiful dark sky,” Khouri says.
Head to the Jasper Dark Sky Festival website for more information, including detailed schedules and where to buy tickets for events that require registration.
Amir Said // info@thejasperlocal.com
