Stargazers converge on Fort Smith for Dark Sky Festival

Nothing can ruin a stargazing festival like a cloudy sky, but Mike Couvrette, co-organizer of the Dark Sky Festival taking place in Fort Smith and Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories, was optimistic about the weather heading into this weekend.

"Every year we've had rain Saturday afternoon and by 11:00 p.m. we have had pretty well clear skies. We've been able to look at stuff in deep outer space every year."

The fourth annual Dark Sky Festival, which started on Friday, was expected to draw at least 100 amateur and professional astronomers and space buffs from B.C., Alberta and the Northwest Territories. 

A new project related to the festival is gathering traditional knowledge on the night sky from local First Nations. In the ongoing study, researchers are asking elders to identify the Cree word or connotation associated with stars and constellations. 

Festival near world's largest Dark Sky Preserve

The event features presentations, activities for kids, and — if the weather cooperates — a chance to peek at far away galaxies, double stars and nebulas. 

"We've picked out some really interesting objects for people so they can go telescope-to-telescope to take a look around," says Couvrette. 

The festival was organized by the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Astronomical Society and takes place on the edge of Wood Buffalo National Park. 

In 2013, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Wood Buffalo National Park as a Dark Sky Preserve, a large area free of artificial light. The park now bills itself as the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve.