John Goss of Fincastle — who writes the astronomy column for The Roanoke Times and is active in astronomical circles nationwide — calls our attention to an effort by the International Dark Sky Association to “bring back the stars.”

Specifically:

Every year the “Pepsi Refresh Project” gives away tens of thousands of dollars in grants to improve communities. IDA has proposed a project to bring access to the starry night to urban and suburban areas.Since Pepsi Refresh Projects are chosen by popular vote, please vote EVERY DAY in December and help the IDA bring you the night sky through SUBURBAN OUTREACH SITES.

To cast your vote, please go to:

http://www.darksky.org/pepsirefresh

What are Suburban Outreach Sites?

A Suburban Outreach Site is a “dark sky oasis” right in your community. A safe, public place where people can gather to see the stars and learn about the night sky. Suburban Outreach Sites are easily accessible from cities. They will offer a good place to stargaze (relative to the area) and will hold free events to bring celestial wonders to the young and old. Suburban Outreach Sites will educate the next generation to the keep looking up, and inspire them to use better lighting to save energy, to conserve natural resources, and to help animals — such as birds, bats, fireflies, and sea turtles. These sites will be created through a partnership between IDA and local astronomy clubs.

The Pepsi Refresh grant will help IDA designate Suburban Outreach Sites around the USA. IDA will coordinate action with our Chapters and astronomy clubs to select safe places each with a beautiful nighttime atmosphere. IDA will create “fresh” programming ideas and event coordination, and even offer free materials on how to dim city lights and bring back the stars.