Astronomy and Our Dark Skies
Do you have an interest in learning more about the stars, planets, and beyond? At Lyme Land Trust we believe the dark sky up there is as much a gift to us as are the forests, the trails within those forests, the rivers and waterways, and everything else that makes Lyme special. To that end, we have decided to offer astronomy information and events as part of our overall mission.
An introduction
The astronomy program is spearheaded by Alan Sheiness and Scott Mallory. Watch the webinar It’s All About Astronomy – An Introduction to Astronomy and the Start of a Lyme Land Trust Program (above) to learn more about the program and to meet Alan and Scott.
Alan Sheiness is a ten-year resident of Lyme, CT, and Treasurer of The Lyme Land Trust. Alan is a promoter of dark skies and amateur astrophotographer.
Scott Mallory is a three-year resident of Lyme, CT. Scott has a passion for astronomy, and that passion became an earnest hobby under the dark skies of Lyme.
You may contact both Alan and Scott at: astronomy@lymelandtrust.org
Velology
For exciting astrophotos by local enthusiast Parag Sahasrabudhe, please visit his blog: Velology. You will see he also keeps busy documenting his cycling enthusiasm, too!
Protect Our Dark Skies
Town of Lyme Dark Skies Resolutions
Resolution Supporting IDA-Compliant Lighting at Municipal Facilities
Resolution Supporting Evaluation of IDA-Compliant Lighting for Projects Requesting Land-Use Approval
Our Dark Skies, by Alan Sheiness
How often have you stopped to notice how wonderfully bright and alive the stars are in our peaceful town of Lyme? That dark sky up there is a part of our world. It is as much a gift to us as are the forests, the trails within those forests, the rivers and waterways, and everything else that makes Lyme special. As part of the Sustainable CT effort (sustainablect.org) we seek to inform the public about light pollution and how to arrest its insidious spread across our region. Read more
Astronomy Group News
Volunteers of the Year for 2024 are the Astronomy Cohorts
This year we honor an important group that has made a huge impact both locally and regionally. The Astronomy Cohorts along with our Board Director and Treasurer, Alan Sheiness, have created
After-school Curiosity Shop Session
On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, students of the Lyme-Old Lyme Consolidated School attended an after-school Curiosity Shop session hosted by the Lyme Land Trust. The session was an astronomy workshop
Farewell comet
Alas, it is time to bid adieu to the green interloper. Our last comet session was last night, February 10, and we had over two dozen visitors over the course
View Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) at the Lyme Land Trust Dark Sky Site
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) Visits for the first time in 50,000 yearsView it at the Lyme Land Trust Dark Sky Site Jan 31- Feb 10 , 2023 Our newsfeeds are
August 26th viewing session
Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. Our last session was amazing. We had strong attendance,
Astronomy Club has new permanent observatory
Exciting news! Our Lyme Land Trust Astronomy Observatory construction is done. We have a new 14” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope housed in this permanent observatory structure. We had first light last night,
