Call for Papers
In 2016, a novel study using satellite imagery to measure sky brightnesses across the globe concluded that “more than 80% of the world and more than 99% of the U.S. and European populations live under light-polluted skies. The Milky Way is hidden from more than one-third of humanity, including 60% of Europeans and nearly 80% of North Americans.” (Falchi et al. 2016, Science Advances, Vol. #2, No. 6). By dimming the sparkle of distant suns and obscuring the faint glow of the Milky Way, artificial light is abruptly and fundamentally altering one of humanity’s first and most intimate relationships with the natural environment.
In the United States, few places east of the Mississippi have retained dark, unpolluted skies with a sizable fraction being found in parts of rural Appalachia. This multidisciplinary symposium will explore the influence of a dark night sky on identity, culture, and sense of place in the Appalachian region, as well as the ecological and human impacts of light pollution and efforts to protect dark skies in and beyond the region. Submissions are encouraged from scholars and practitioners considering the sky from various perspectives and disciplinary backgrounds. Contributions may take different forms such as mini-exhibitions, artist talks, presentations incorporating musical performance and/or media, film screenings, and oral presentations (including traditional scholarly talks and creative writing). Please note that while works with a regional connection are preferred, topical submissions lacking a regional focus are also welcome. Note that all presentations are expected to be in-person.
We are thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker will be Ann Pancake, award-winning author of Strange as this Weather Has Been and 2023 Appalachian Heritage Writer in Residence. We are also thrilled to share four distinguished, invited presenters: Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker and Assistant Professor of Cinema Studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville; Richard Stedman, Professor and Chair of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment at Cornell University; James Lowenthal, Professor of Astronomy at Smith College; and Anthony Aveni, Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy and Anthropology and Native American Studies, Emeritus.
Proposals may be submitted here; if you encounter difficulties using this form, please send submission information directly to jbary (at) colgate (dot) edu. Include title, a description (300 word max), special requirements, and your contact information. The deadline for submissions has been extended to December 1st, 2023. Accepted contributions will be announced by December 15th. Depending on the funding, partial financial support may be available to presenters.
The conference website gives more background on the symposium and details about the location and travel. You may pre-register for the conference here.
