Douglas Arion, one of IDA-MA’s most active members, is the recipient of a 2020 “Dark-Sky Defender Award” from the International Dark-Sky Association. The honor will be announced at IDA’s Global Conference next month. Here’s the award citation provided by IDA:

“Doug Arion is a recently retired professor of astronomy and educator. He is described as an unstoppable force in the dark sky movement. Doug partnered with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) – the oldest conservation organization in the United States to develop dark-sky programming. This programming takes place at all AMC huts and lodges throughout the White Mountains and the Northeast. It includes IDA material, telescopes, trained guides, talks, and planetarium shows; all with dark-sky messaging. In addition, he was able to get the AMC lodges to adopt dark-sky friendly lighting.

“Also, Doug leads an NSF-funded science communication project that trains undergraduate students in light pollution communication and positions them at AMC for summer science outreach astronomy guide positions. This project delivers dark sky messaging to over 10,000 people each year.

“Additionally, Doug has been diligently working for years to establish Maine Woods Dark Sky Reserve, which is gaining momentum. He is also a member of the American Astronomical Society Committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris. Doug gives regular talks and planetarium shows around the Northeast on dark skies.  He also interviews with the media about dark skies. Through his work, he has opened the eyes of tens of thousands of people to the wonders of the night sky, the perils of careless outdoor lighting, and the possible paths forward to regain the starry sky.”

Congratulation, Doug, from all of your friends and colleagues in the IDA-MA Chapter!