Headlands Officially Designated Dark Sky Park

<p><em><a href="mailto:payettepc@interlochen.org">By Mary Ellen Geist</a></em></p> <p>A 600-acre stretch of land in Emmet County called "The Headlands" has just been designated an International Dark Sky Park. It's the only one in Michigan. There are only five others in the U.S. and nine others in the entire world. </p> <p> The area, which hugs the shore of Lake Michigan near Mackinac City, has something very special: a clear, unaltered view of the night sky. It took four years of hard work and a laborious application process to get the designation. </p> <p>Mary Stewart Adams, a star lore expert who lives in Harbor Springs, is on the Dark Sky Park Committee In Northern Michigan. Adams says, "It's not just about coming to that geographic location. It's that we are being intentional about protecting the night sky. That raises the awareness level in this community."</p> <p>The park will be used to view the Northern Lights, meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and to learn about constellations and hear stories about the stars. </p> <p>The designation kicks in officially today. A celebration of the International Dark Sky Park will take place at the Headlands in Emmet County on June 21st. </p>