Upcoming
Diane will be speaking at the following events. Please join her!
The Pittsburgh Dark Skies chapter is seeking officers for 2025.
Positions include Secretary, Hospitality, Promotions, Lobbying Coordinator and Meeting Organizer. A little help goes a long way.
Diane is Teaching Astronomy 88: Stonehenge to Hubble on Wednesday evenings for the Fall semester from 6-8:30 pm in 104 Thaw Hall, University of Pittsburgh.
“This course gives a historical perspective on the development of Astronomy, beginning with the 4500-year-old monolithic monument, Stonehenge, to the recent spectacular discoveries by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes.”
Thursday, November 14, 2024
2:30 – 5:00 pm
Guest Lecture about astronomy and light pollution to the class OTHER Media, in the CMU School of Art, taught by Richard Pell, owner of the Center for PostNatural History. AO Tour included.
(Talk not open to the public.)
Dark Skies Panel – Diane Turnshek (astronomer, CMU, University of Pittsburgh) and local dark skies experts.
Scenic America Symposium 2024: Scenic Beauty Through Action and Advocacy
Drury Hotel Downtown Pittsburgh.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
2:15 – 3:15 pm
North Coventry Township, PA
Environmental Advisory Council Meeting.
Register for Zoom meeting (coming soon)
Thursday, November 21, 2024
7:00 – 8:30 pm
The Environmental Impact of Light Pollution
The impacts of air and water pollution have been studied for decades, but artificial light at night also has an adverse effect on our environment. How light at night affects human health is a great concern, as well as the disruption of the lives of animals and plants. Responsible outdoor lighting means less wasted energy, which lowers our carbon footprint. Studies show that, after a minimum light level is met, more light is not safer. Glare from unshielded lights can be disabling. Let’s have a frank discussion of the mitigation measures townships can put into place to combat light pollution. Learn more
Wednesday – Sunday, April 9 – 13, 2025
American Society for Environmental History (ASEH) 2025 Annual Conference
“Forging Environments: Confluence, Resilience, Intersectionality”
Panel with Douglas Sam, Diane Turnshek, Jessica Heim and Erica Ellingson and chaired by Sara B. Pritchard.
“Earth and Sky II: Historians, Astronomers, and the Sustainability of the Space Environment”
Diane will examine the intersection between lighting policies, dark skies, and environmental justice.
Omni William Penn Hotel Pittsburgh, PA 15219
9th International Artificial Light at Night Conference
Tuesday – Thursday, October 28-30, 2025
Westport, IRELAND
Past Events
Dark Sky International Pittsburgh Chapter Meeting, Tree Edition
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 7 – 9 pm
Free, public event.
Allegheny Observatory, Riverview Park
159 Riverview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Did you know trees are stressed by light at night?
Join us to hear about the value of trees and the adverse impact of artificial light at night.
Matt Peters, a forest defense activist, will be with us to talk about our city’s tree cover.
Diane Turnshek will show how thoughtful lighting will help nurture tree growth.
See the Moon Tree outside the front door to the observatory.
Phyllis Gricus will also be joining us. She’s the author of “The Garden Goes Dark” in the current issue of Horticulture Magazine.
New Astronomy Discoveries
Diane will speak about new astronomy discoveries and future direction in the field.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Free
Have we managed to learn everything there is to be learned about our proverbial “final frontier”? Not even close! Learn from astronomer and lecturer Diane Turnshek what the future holds for this age-old field and what that means for citizen science, our understanding of the universe, and more.
This program takes place in the South Wing Reading Room, Main Branch of the Carnegie Library in Oakland. 4400 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213
Registration Information
Haunted Space Mansion (for K-5th grade)
Sunday, October 27,
4:15 – 8:30 pm
Allegheny Observatory
159 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Tickets
SpaceBurgh, a festival of space science, robotics and science fiction.
Saturday, Oct 19, 2024
12:00 – 8:00 pm
Celebrating Pittsburgh’s Contribution to All Things Space
https://www.spaceburgh.com/
Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh
Talk on light pollution and dark skies.
Friday, October 18, 2024
2:30 – 3:30pm
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh,
Global Citizens Fellowship program at NavusHouse on the Northside. 1515 Boyle St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
A day-long program focused on Climate Action & Health.
The cohort consists of women leaders at various ages and stages of their careers. Read more about them here.
(Not open to the public.)
How to find a dark site to view aurora
Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5, 2024
6:00 pm
Mingo Observatory Star Party (rain or shine)
1 Shelter 10 Road, Finleyville, PA 15332
Diane spoke four times in the planetarium throughout the nights on “How to find a dark site to view the aurora”
The Future of Astronomy
September 20, 2024
7 – 10 pm
Allegheny Observatory
159 Riverview Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Guest Lecture on Dark Skies
Thursday September 19, 2024 from 3:30-4:50 pm. Speak to the class Studio–from City to Forest, in the CMU School of Architecture, co-taught by avian conservation biologist Nick G. Liadis and Mary-Lou Arscott.
“The proliferation of cities and human-altered landscapes has significantly impeded birds’ safe passage during migration—habitat degradation, light pollution, and glass buildings are a few of the spatial alterations that have caused dozens of species to need urgent conservation care.”
(Talk not open to the public.)
Image from IntergalacticAstro
Dark Sky Meeting
Saturday, September 14
7 – 9 pm
All you need to protect yourself against the harms of artificial light at night. This dark skies session will arm residents with knowledge to tackle those bright lights that impact their night lives. How can you help yourself, your neighbors, and your community? Reception (food and drink), short talk, discussion and building tour with observing (if clear).
Allegheny Observatory
Riverview Park (159 Riverview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214)
Free registration
12th Annual Pennsylvania Firefly Festival
Photo credit: Jeffrey Calto
Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29
(https://www.pafireflyevents.org/)
Invited to set up a table and speak to the public at the event.
Tionesta, PA
[[Sold out]]
April 29, 2024
On Arbor Day, Riverview Park was dedicated as the city’s third, nationally-accredited, US Arboretum. While invited to table for Dark Skies at the event, Diane spoke to Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, his Chief of Staff Jake Wheatley, and Dr. Jamil Bey, the City Planner, about light pollution in Pittsburgh and the 2021 Dark Sky Ordinances.
April 24 Dark Skies Meeting
Wednesday, April 24
7 – 9 pm
Allegheny Observatory
159 Riverview Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Share your light pollution stories and ideas as we celebrate successes and plan for the future.
Light refreshments. Building tour and weather-dependent telescope viewing.
Free, necessary reservations on Eventbrite.
This historic building is only partially handicapped accessible.
Sponsored by the Pittsburgh, PA branch and the PA Chapter of DarkSky International.
Eventbrite Registration
Friday, April 5, 2024
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Invited guest on KDKA Live Radio with Michael G. Bartley talking about the upcoming Great American Eclipse of 2024 and answering listeners’ questions.
Popcorn and a Movie
7 – 10 pm, Friday, March 22, 2024
Join us at Allegheny Observatory for a dark skies documentary, a short “light pollution 101” talk and a tour of the building (with observing if clear). Open to the public and free. Register on Eventbrite or by calling (412) 321-2400. Sponsored by the local chapter of Dark Sky International.
In Riverview Park on the Northside, at 159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Great American Total Solar Eclipse
The Ellis School (theellisschool.org)
6425 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206
March 13, 2024
8:15 am (for students and staff only)
Full middle and upper school assembly, grades 5 – 12, then additional eclipse-related programming with a mixed-age group.
Invited Dark Skies Speaker
PA Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference.
February 24, 2024
9am – 3:30pm
More Info
Diane Turnshek invited you to join local people who care about light pollution in Pittsburgh to socialize and tell their stories.
Saturday, February 17, 2024,
6 – 8 pm
Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
The Pittsburgh Branch of DarkSky International (IDAPgh.org) is a nonprofit under the umbrella of DarkSky International (darksky.org). We’ll be needing officers soon, so show up and let us know if you have an interest in a volunteer leadership role. Light refreshments. In case of inclement weather, we will move to Zoom.
Diane was a guest on the Light Pollution News Podcast with Bill McGeeney, a starry night sky advocate and founder of the podcast.
Based in Philadelphia, PA, Bill helps share the joys of astronomy within his community and is an active member of Dark Sky International’s Pennsylvania Chapter.
January 2024
Diane was a guest on the podcast for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council discussing the General Assembly of Pennsylvania House Bill HB1803 on light pollution.
From the PEC website, “Backed by the latest science and more than fifty years of accumulated expertise, PEC advocates for environmental protection and restoration at local, state, and federal levels. Here you’ll find information, analysis, important dates, and status updates on pending state legislation and regulation that affects environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.”
Air date: January 2024
Diane was a guest on the Restoring Darkness Podcast with Scott Wachter and Michael Colligan
December 20, 2023
Episode 93 – The Pittsburgh Street Light Conversion
Dark sky expert invited on a Hays Woods hike with the members and staff of Public Source.
Sunday November 12, 2023 – 1 – 3 pm
Become a member of Public Source, if you would like to be included in this private event.
Biophilic Cities Panel on Dark Skies in Cities
“Biophilic Cities facilitates a global network of partner cities working collectively to pursue the vision of a natureful city within their unique and diverse environments and cultures.”
October 25, 2023, 12 – 1 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
On Zoom, an open, virtual event
With Amber Harrison, Diane Turnshek and Yana Yakushina
event page on biophiliccities.org
A Biophilic City webinar that will examine the dark sky planning and design practices that global cities are implementing and the human and non-human benefits of dark sky cities. Panelist include: — Tim Beatley, Biophilic Cities Executive Director and Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning, School of Architecture at the University of Virginia
— Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program Manager, DarkSky International
— Yana Yakushina, Deputy Director of Legal Research and Special Projects, The Space Court Foundation
— Diane Turnshek, Special Lecturer, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University
Event registration
Satellite Search Parties for Tracking, Community-building and Education
Presented by Diane Turnshek (CMU) and Eric Fischer (AAAP)
International Astronomical Union Symposium IAUS385
“Astronomy and Satellite Constellations: Pathways Forward”
La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
2-6, October, 2023
Online attendance registration open until Oct 1, 2023
In person registration closed as of Aug 22
Night Matters: Dark Sky International Members-only virtual event (Watch the Video)
Theme: Urban Night Sky Protection
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 2 pm
Registration
Join Diane Turnshek as she discusses the great strides made in Pittsburgh towards dark skies. What is the best way a hilly, mid-sized city can determine the extent of environmental justice issues due to excessive artificial light at night?
MakerDate 2023: Make it Astronomical!
Blast off to outer-space at this year’s MakerDate: a live & silent date auction fundraiser for Assemble’s STEAM education programs!
Diane will be auctioning off private Allegheny Observatory tours with the opportunity to sketch the telescopes, or anything else that catches your fancy in the historic building while listening to celestial tunes. Bids start at $50.00.
Saturday, September 9, 2023, 6 to 9 pm,
Union Project: Located at 801 N. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 – right on the corner of Stanton Avenue and Negley Avenue. Plenty of on-street parking, also conveniently located on three major bus routes (71A, 75, and 87).
assemble a community space for arts + technology
4824 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
C (412) 254-4230T (412) 661-6111
assemblepgh.org
Find us on: Facebook┃Instagram ┃Twitter
Maren Cooke’s Sustainability Salon
Topic: Hopepunk, with Diane Turnshek, Susan Kaye Quinn and Scot Noel
Sunday, August 27, 2023, 3:00 pm start
In person and on Zoom
SIGN UP for this free event here (which includes a potluck dinner)
Invited plenary speaker on Measurement and Modeling
Artificial Light at Night Conference
Calgary, Canada
Aug 10 – 13, 2023
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Virtual Biophilia
July 6, 2023
6 pm, via Zoom
Read about this event
Meetings are free to attend; however, advance registration is required. Please use this link to RSVP.
Virtual Biophilia: The Upside of Darkness
What do astronomy and planet ecosystems have in common? Both value darkness. Dark sky compliant lighting protects nocturnal pollinators—moths, bats, fireflies—and the circadian rhythms of plants. People focus on getting enough light for their plants but rarely consider the converse. Because of artificial light at night, trees leaf out too soon in the spring and a late frost can damage the buds. Light past sunset puts undue stress to continue photosynthesis into the night, causing plant “burnout.” In 2021, Pittsburgh enacted Dark Sky Ordinances, which governs lights on all city land and the businesses that sit on city property, like the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the National Aviary and, yes, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Learn the adverse effects of too much light at night and examples of proper lighting to get healthy plants.
Parsec Ink table at the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books
May 13, 2023
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Campus
Polish Hill May Day Parade
Saturday, April 29, 2023
A whimsical and carnivalesque community celebration that takes on a different (somewhat opaque) theme each year. For 2023, it’s “Night Shift: What Changes in the Dark? Star following, moon hollering, flower feeding, trash eating wild beings.”
Speaking about the night sky, stars, nocturnal life, and the dark sides of light pollution.
Impact of Satellites on Observational Astronomy
Friday, April 15, 2023, 7 pm
Allegheny Observatory talk at the Public Lecture Series in Astronomy
Candlelight Dinner
Thursday, March 23, 2023
6 pm
CMU Candlelight, five-course dinner and speakers in honor of the National Day of Unplugging.
(Cooked without electricity!) –sold out–
“Yes, Virginia, there is a Milky Way”
Invited speaker for hybrid meeting of the Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society.
Monday, February 20, 2023, 8:00 pm
Dark sky advocacy is nine parts education to one part action, all done while rereading The Little Engine That Could. Light pollution mitigation efforts are most effective with all stakeholders involved. The top advocates are not professional astronomers, whose livelihood depends on dark skies, but amateur astronomers who not only understand the issues, but bring a wide range of skills to the table. At the end of the presentation, the hope is that we’ve identified where various talents would be most satisfyingly useful, given tools to get underway, and celebrated successful examples from other states. Let’s shine a spotlight on our cause!
More Info
“Light Pollution Research”
Friday, February 3, 2023, 11am, GHC 4102
Carnegie Mellon Physics Upperclass Colloquium II
(junior and senior physics majors)
Astronomical Society of the Pacific, ASP2022, A Virtual Conference
Communicating Science to Students and the Public
December 8 – 10, 2022
“Talking to the Press About Dark Skies” (time to be scheduled)
More info
About Space Out! Astronomy Day:
Space Out! Astronomy Day is the perfect time for a day trip to Pittsburgh! See Mars: The Next Giant Leap, The Buhl Planetarium, and more. There will be plenty of things to do with family like stargazing in the Planetarium, looking for water with a Mars rover, and learning how to use a telescope!
Carnegie Science Center Astronomy Career Panels for middle and high school students (Registration only through individual area schools.)
Friday, November 18, 2022
Time: 10 and 11 am (et)
Spaced Out Astronomy Day for the general public (included with general admission), showing the new “Mars, the Next Giant Leap!” planetarium show.
November 19, 2022 – It is strongly encouraged that you purchase your tickets online in advance of arriving.
More Info
The International Dark Sky Association’s free online “Under One Sky” conference.
Friday November 11 and Saturday November 12.
The conference goes around the world and around the clock.
Saturday at 1:45 pm (ET). Policy Panel Workshop with Yana Yakushina, Amy C. Oliver, Diane Turnshek and Anna Pasková.
Thriving on a Simulated Martian Outpost
In-person at the Peters Township Public Library in Washington County
Date: Thursday, October 6
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: 616 E. McMurray Road. McMurray, Pennsylvania 15317
Register HERE
Preparing for the challenges of space exploration, the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah has operated since the early 2000s, traditionally with six researchers who crew the outpost in two-week rotations. The high-elevation desert location was chosen for sweeping vistas of red rock layers sans vegetation that simulate the physical environment of Mars. The human factors of spaceflight are studied, for instance, crew selection, habitat design, food fatigue, group dynamics of isolation, the effect of exercise and music on mood disorders and efficient EVAs in spacesuits. Outside our two-story, 33-foot wide, cylindrical habitation module called “the Hab,” wayfinding is practiced and extremophiles are found and catalogued, including endoliths, a bacteria that flourishes inside rock. Join us to hear the story-behind-the-story of the award-winning documentary, “Above and Below,” made during Crew 120’s simulated visit to the red planet.
A short astronomy podcast: “Mars Desert Research Station”
PechaKucha Night 2022 during Pittsburgh Architecture Week
“PechaKucha is BACK! After a three-year hiatus, AIA Pittsburgh is once again hosting the ever-popular PechaKucha Night. PechaKucha Nights are informal, fun gatherings held in more than 1,000 cities world-wide, where creative people share their ideas, works and thoughts in a 20×20 format. PechaKucha Night is based on a simple, dynamic presentation style: 20 images x 20 seconds per image. It’s about artistic and creative celebration, and promotion of local talent. The event is constantly varied and dynamic, and always produces a relaxed, informal, and fun environment.”
“Welcome Aboard the Dark Skies Bandwagon”
Once seen, bad outdoor lighting can’t be unseen. Harshly glaring night lights with a blue cast can be more than unsightly, they can harm plants and animals in the nighttime ecosystem and even disrupt human health. Lighting designers who consider shielded outdoor lights, with low wattage and low temperature, are following the guidance of Pittsburgh’s Dark Sky Ordinances enacted in 2021. Save energy and money. Be kind to the natural environment. Protect your health. See more stars. Win, win, win, win! Diane Turnshek’s Bio
Sponsored by AIA
Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
Time: 5:30 – 7:15p.m Doors open at 5:30 pm and presentations start at 6:00 pm.
Location: Ascender in The Village of Eastside shopping center, 3rd floor.
(6401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206)
Free parking.
$15 General Admission / $10 Student and 65+
Light Food & Beverage included in ticket price.
Diane Turnshek will be speaking about dark skies at Sunday Assembly!
Date: September 18th
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
September’s monthly theme is space.
Attend in-person at the gathering space located on the lower level of Wilkins School Community Center in Regent Square.
Wilkins School Community Center · 7604 Charleston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Or join via Zoom by registering HERE
WeConservePA Workshop
The Journey Back to the Stars: Limiting the Harmful Effects of Light Pollution
Free Virtual Event
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
7:00 PM
Information and Event Registration.
The night sky is getting brighter each year, obscuring the stars from our sight. Light pollution is the cause, the excessive, obtrusive, artificial light at night that prevents us from living under a sky bright with stars. It adversely affects human health and the entire nighttime ecosystem, and can produce unsafe glare and raises our carbon footprint by wasting energy. We can limit the disruption of wildlife across Pennsylvania and restore our environmental balance with a combination of education, technology, and ordinances. Join experts in the field to learn about the dark side of light and what steps can be taken to bring back the stars. Learn more about the Pennsylvania chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association: https://www.idapgh.org/
Astronomy on Tap
June 29, 2022
7 pm
Two Frays Brewery
5113 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh , PA 15224
Astronomy on Tap presents a great opportunity for the astronomy community to interact with the general public and present accessible, engaging science presentations on space and science topics ranging from planets to black holes to galaxies to the beginning of the Universe, along with trivia and other games, prizes, music, and more surprises!
The national AoT website
Twitter: @AoTPgh, https://twitter.com/AoTPGH
Tenth Annual Pennsylvania Firefly Festival
Diane will be speaking about Dark Skies on Friday, June 24th and Saturday, June 25th at 8:30 pm
The PA Firefly Festival tickets are now sold out.
VISIT THE FIREFLY FESTIVAL EVENT PAGE
Upper St. Clair Library Zoom Event: “Have you heard the good news about dark skies?”
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm (ET)
Online: This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.
Join astronomer Diane Turnshek for this informative presentation. Dark skies initiatives are sweeping the country. People are looking for good news and a type of pollution that’s easy to fix. Reducing light pollution (excess artificial light at night) is not only good for our health, safer, and better for animals and plants, it actually saves money and reduces our carbon footprint. Join us for nighttime outdoor lighting tips and ideas on how you can take part in a fun astronomy activism with no pushback — everyone loves seeing stars in a dark sky!
World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 13, 2022
8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Frick Park, 15-person tours on hiking loop from the Frick Environmental Center (talks, tabling, bird banding)
*To ensure social distancing and safety, registration is required for each activity.*
[Information and Registration]
A panel talk at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Dim the Lights for Nature: a conversation about light pollution, wildlife, people and sustainable cities
Thursday, May 5, 2022, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, CMOA theater
Diane will speak at the Christine Frechard Art Gallery
Saturday, April 9 at 5-6 pm
5126 Butler St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Intersect@CMU Conference
Innovating a Sustainable Future For All Cities and Infrastructure
View the presentation video on Vimeo
Thursday Feb 10, 2022
Time: 10:45 AM-11:45 AM EST
This conference is free and open to all.
More than half the world’s population lives in cities, and the United Nations projects that this number will increase to two thirds by 2050. While the Sustainable Development Goals were agreed at the national level, cities are at the frontline of taking action. How will cities and infrastructure adapt to these new and growing needs? How will we ensure that everyone has access to green spaces, clean air and safe transportation? Who should have a say in how these decisions are made?
We will be hosting a conversation among planners, practitioners, academics and community leaders to explore how we should be thinking and planning for sustainable societies in the future.
Talk at La Roche University
“Outer Space” Part of the AAUW North Hills Great Decisions program.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 am EST
Free to attend and open to the public (virtual event*).
The launch of Sputnik I in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX. How will the United States fare in a crowded outer space.
Sponsored by the North Hills Pittsburgh Chapter of The American Association of University Women.
The Great Decision topic comes from a list by the Foreign Policy Association.
*Due to COVID 19 there will be no Face to Face meeting for 2022. Great Decisions will be offered by a Virtual format. As you may know, Great Decisions is a non-partisan program developed by the Foreign Policy Association in 1954 that has become America’s largest discussion program. The program model involves reading, meeting to watch a documentary, and discussing the most critical issues facing America today. Our program will once again include a speaker each week who will share additional information on the topic of the week.
Diane Turnshek 