Submitted by The Lopez Island Library

At 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, at Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, the Lopez Island Library and the San Juan Islands National Monument are proud to present a beautiful and unique evening celebrating the night sky. Join Maryboy for a special event in recognition of National Native American Heritage Month.

“Sharing the Skies” provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it. In her presentation, Maryboy will discuss the foundations of Navajo astronomy and present a stunning backdrop of images from the Hubble Telescope on the big screen. Maryboy is the Principal Investigator for the National Science Foundation-funded Native Universe: Indigenous Voice in Science Museums, a partnership including the Imiloa Astronomy Center, University of California – Berkeley, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Durango Discovery Museum, Association of Science-Technology Centers and the National Museum of the American Indian. She is co-PI for Navajo Sky, a NASA-funded project that develops digital modules for planetariums, juxtaposing Navajo and Western astronomy and is adjunct professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northern Arizona University.

Maryboy is Navajo and Cherokee. As a special feature of the presentation, photographer Chris Teren will share his breathtaking images of the Northern Lights. Following the program, weather permitting, the event will offer star gazing with Maryboy on the Lopez Center’s lawn. We encourage you to bring your own telescope or share with others. Hot drinks will be provided. Sharing the Skies Through Navajo Eyes is funded by NASA, Multiverse UC Berkeley, the Indigenous Education Institute, the San Juan Islands National Monument and the Lopez Island Library. For more information contact Jen Krajack at Lopez Island Library (468-2265).