29 Michigan parks participate in dark sky celebration

Lansing — Twenty-nine of Michigan’s state parks will stay open late this week as part of a worldwide initiative that encourages people to celebrate the beauty of a dark sky.

International Dark Sky Week runs from Monday through Saturday. It was conceived by a high school student in 2003 to call attention to the problem of light pollution.

In addition to longer-than-usual hours to allow for stellar night sky viewing, many of Michigan’s participating parks will host astronomy-themed events.

Besser Planetarium in Alpena County will host a program Friday, followed by sky viewing at Rockport Harbor.

Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County and Ludington State Park in Mason County will have programs Saturday.