April 11 - 19, 2026
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night.
Darkness has a purpose. Dark skies are not only crucial for balanced ecosystems and pivotal for scientific discovery, but they preserve shared cultural knowledge.
Join fellow dark sky enthusiasts from April 11-19 as we gather for star parties and to learn more about how darkness impacts the natural world around us.
Capital District Dark Sky Week Schedule
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Newts and Night
Saturday, April 11, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Location: 24 Martin Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186
Conservation and restoration of local ecosystems have the added benefit of improving access to star viewing opportunities. Come join us for a presentation about local amphibians and how wetland conservation is connected to viewing the night sky. After the presentation participants are welcomed to stay for a star party!
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A Newbie’s Guide to Astrophotography
Wednesday, April 15, 7:30-9:30pm
Location: Siena University, Roger Bacon Hall Room 250
Astrophotography has become more accessible than ever, but it’s still hard to know where to start. Join experienced astrophotographers from the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for a crash course in how to get started on your dark sky photography journey. Observing with the Breyo telescope if weather permits.
This talk is aimed at astrophotography novices, but everyone is welcome.
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Star Party at Grafton Lake
Friday, April 17, starts 8:00pm
Join the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers for a star party at Grafton Lake. Bring your own telescope or come mingle with fellow night sky enthusiasts. No registration required. Weather permitting.
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Park After Dark: Night, Wildlife, and You
Saturday, April 18, 8:00-9:00pm
Location: Thacher State Park Nature Center
Just like land, food, or water, darkness is a resource many animals need to survive. Learn about which of Thacher Park's animals rely upon this resource, and how you can create dark spaces that help animals to thrive. Part of Albany Dark Sky Week in partnership with the Dudley Observatory. Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
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Star Party at Thacher State Park
Saturday, April 18, 9:00pm-10:00pm
Location: Thacher State Park Nature Center
Share the wonder and importance of the night this Dark Sky Week at the Thacher Nature Center! Dr. Mindy Townsend of the Dudley Observatory will have telescopes for viewing Jupiter, and bright stars like Betelgeuse and Arcturus, as well as some galaxies that are visible this season. No registration required. Drop in anytime between 9 and 10.
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Star Party at the Huyck Preserve's Lincoln Pond With Special Talk by Bat Researcher Craig Frank, Ph.D.
Sunday, April 19, 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Huyck Preserve
The direct and indirect effects of artificial light on insectivorous bats with Craig Frank, Ph.D.
Craig Frank, long-time researcher at the Huyck Preserve and Associate Professor and Environmental Science Co-Director in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fordham University, returns for a special lecture. Craig's current research focuses on the impacts of and recovery from White-Nose Syndrome in northeastern bat species. Join us to learn about why dark skies are so critical to one of our region's most important nocturnal mammals.
Refreshments and a star party (weather permitting) will be offered after the lecture.