Dark Sky Talk with John Meader of Northern Stars Planetarium

Join John Meader, Maine's expert on the night sky, to talk about light pollution and its effects on insects, wildlife, and your health. The talk will be followed with a Q & A.

John Meader is an astronomy educator who has worked in various Maine planetariums since 1979.

Can you see the Milky Way from your house on a clear night? If not, you have a problem with “light pollution”.

Light Pollution not only affects you and your enjoyment of the night sky, but it affects birds as they migrate; insects as they signal each other at night; wildlife habitat in general; and, importantly, your health. Want to know more? Come to hear John Meader, Maine’s expert on the night sky.

John Meader began his planetarium career as a student operator in 1979 at the University of Maine's Jordan Planetarium. He has taught Observational Astronomy classes at the University of Maine at Orono, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Loring Air Force Base, and Kennebec Valley Community College. In 1987 John founded Northern Stars Planetarium.

Northern Stars Planetarium and Educational Services is an educational astronomy and science outreach service for schools, libraries, museums, land trusts, and non-profits throughout central and mid-coast Maine.

Born and raised in central Maine, John graduated from the University of Maine in 1982. He and his wife Laura live in Fairfield. They have three adult children. In addition to his passion for astronomy, he is a Registered Maine Guide, an avid canoeist, and has a passion for photography.