Explore The Night Sky September 16, 2026

Merrill Memorial Library presents an engaging evening with astronomer John Meader on why protecting our dark skies matters and learn how reducing light pollution benefits both people and wildlife. Then Look Up! The program concludes with a guided tour of the autumn night sky using Stellarium software, featuring the season’s constellations, planets, bright stars, and other celestial highlights. John Meader has been inspiring audiences through astronomy for more than four decades, beginning as a student planetarium operator at the University of Maine before founding Northern Stars Planetarium and Educational Services in 1987. A Fellow of both the International Planetarium Society and the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society, he is also a founding member of Dark Sky Maine and serves on the boards of several science and education organizations. In addition to his work in astronomy, John is an accomplished photographer, Registered Maine Guide, and lifelong advocate for science, nature, and outdoor education.