Methow Dark Sky Week 2025
Join us in celebrating our rural night skies. We have a full week of activities and will be documenting them with photos and additional information on this page as the week goes on.
Thanks to our sponsors and partners
Proclamation
Proclamations are a great way to raise awareness of and demonstrate community support for dark skies. We are pleased to have unanimous approval by both Twisp and Winthrop town councils and Twisp and WInthrop Chambers of Commerce and local businesses.
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Dark Sky Art and Info
Stop by the Winthrop Visitor Information Center to explore a beautiful gallery of local night sky photography from local artists and dark sky–inspired artwork created by local elementary and middle school students. You’ll also find brochures, stickers, take-home activities, and educational materials. Plus, pick up a full calendar of events and a map of participating businesses offering special Dark Sky Week promotions.
Night Hike at Meadowlark
The Methow Conservancy hosted a night walk and talk with retired NASA astrophysicist Tuck Stebbins. The event sold out and we hear that everyone learned some interesting thing new about the night sky and cosmos.
Star Party at
Idle A While
Methow Dark Sky Coalition volunteers hosted a Star Party at the Idle A While Motel. About 20 people stopped by to look at and learn about planets, stars, and deep space objects. Equipment included 5 and 8 inch telescopes and an Astrophotography rig that enables viewing of deep sky objects such as Bode's galaxy and the Cigar galaxy (as pictured).
Blue Hour
Sound Walk
An intimate group of people joined nationally recognized sound and visual artist Perri Lynch Howard and MVCC program director Lorah Super on a meditative, guided blue hour walk to attune their senses and deepen appreciation of natural darkness. After the walk, the group enjoyed a campfire under the the Methow Valley's starry skies.
Cosmology
Talk
Local cosmologist Dr. Sean Downes gave a talk on the beginning and evolution of the cosmos to a packed audience at the Ryzo wine tasting room. The cozy environment allowed for lots of questions and interaction. Great food and wine was enjoyed by all.
Pearrygin Park Star Party
Ranger Alex Ott hosted a star party at Pearrygin lake with assistance from MDSC volunteers on a spectacular night for star gazing. About 50 people turned out to look at and learn about planets, stars, constellations and clusters. Three telescopes, binoculars and naked eye viewing were enjoyed by all.
Dark Sky Treats
Thanks to the local bakeries that made custom Dark Sky desserts and coffees. Some of the fair that was available clockwise from upper left: the Taurus Truffle from The Little Dipper; Black Sesame Dark Chocolate Brownie with Cream Cheese Swirl from Glover Street Market; Dark Sky Croissant from the Mazama Store; the Dark Sky Donut from Orchard House. I'm not saying I sampled them all in one day but I'm not saying I didn't. They were all as yummy as they look.