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CASS COUNTY — Cass County officials are encouraging residents to take a look at the night sky next week.

During International Dark Sky Week, April 19-26, the International Dark-Sky Association is inviting families to engage with dynamic authors, educators, artists and scientists from around the world who are excited to share their passion for astronomy, the cultural connection to the stars, life in the dark and how people can work together to protect the night, said Amanda Gormley, director of outreach for the International Dark Sky Association.

Earlier this year, Cass County’s Dr. T.K. Lawless Park was designated a Dark Sky Park and Dark Sky Preserve.

“Right now, families around the globe find themselves spending many hours at home together,” said Ruskin Hartley, IDA’s executive director.  “It’s a perfect time to reconnect with the night sky — and International Dark-Sky Week provides a portal for that experience.”

Though, due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, the community cannot gather together physically during International Dark Sky Week, the IDA will host presentations to engage people virtually. Topics will include how to find a constellation in the night sky, how cultures throughout history saw their place in the stars and what animals explore the night, in addition to others.

Presentations will be broadcast live every day during International Dark Sky Week. To learn more and see the schedule, visit idsw.darksky.org, or follow along on YouTube or Facebook.