At the Friday, October 16, monthly meeting our guest speakers shall be Kelly Davenport & Jonathan Shirley of DarkSky Kentucky.
Across the world, the night sky is growing brighter and Kentucky is no exception. In this presentation, DarkSky Kentucky leaders Kelly Davenport and Jonathan Shirley will share the story of the Commonwealth’s growing dark‑sky movement and the formation of DarkSky Kentucky, officially recognized as a volunteer chapter of DarkSky International in 2025. They will highlight how this new chapter is mobilizing communities, educators, scientists and advocates across the state to protect Kentucky’s natural night skies.
Kelly and Jonathan will discuss the harmful impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) on ecosystems, human health and scientific research. Attendees will learn how excessive and poorly designed lighting interferes with the behavior of wildlife from migrating birds to fireflies and baby sea turtles. They will also explore how skyglow affects astronomical observation, data collection, and the long‑term viability of amateur and professional astronomy.
The presentation will include updates from DarkSky International, including the latest developments on Reflect Orbital, an emerging issue with significant implications for astronomers and sky quality worldwide. Kelly and Jonathan will outline practical steps individuals, organizations and communities can take to reduce light pollution and share opportunities for members of the Louisville Astronomical Society to get involved with DarkSky Kentucky’s outreach, education and advocacy initiatives.
This session will illuminate why protecting the night sky matters, not only for science, but for wildlife, human well‑being and the cultural heritage of stargazing itself.
Jonathan Shirley: Education & Outreach Coordinator, DarkSky Kentucky
Jonathan Shirley serves on the board of DarkSky Kentucky as the Education & Outreach Coordinator and is a dedicated DarkSky Advocate. His work blends science, stewardship and community engagement, reflecting a deep commitment to protecting natural darkness and the wildlife that depends on it.
A Certified Volunteer Naturalist at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, Jonathan leads a wide range of public night programs from Owl Prowls to stargazing events helping Kentuckians experience the wonder of the nocturnal world. His leadership and service earned him Bernheim’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year award.
In 2026, Jonathan was also honored with the Champion Environmental Educator Award from New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future, recognizing his impact across Nelson, Marion, and Washington counties.
Kelly Davenport: Co-Founder, DarkSky Kentucky
Kelly Davenport has been photographing the night sky for more than twenty years, creating images that celebrate natural darkness and the quiet beauty of the cosmos. A longtime member of the Louisville Photographic Society, her work reflects a deep commitment to the intersection of art, nature and environmental stewardship.
For two decades, Kelly served as a corporate photographer and communicator for UPS Airlines. Today she continues her career at UPS as a Customer Success Manager, working with UPS customers.
In 2012, Kelly received a grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women to attend a night‑photography workshop in Utah. It was there she first learned about the dark‑sky movement, a discovery that reshaped her artistic path and ignited her advocacy.
Kelly became a DarkSky Advocate in 2021, and her passion for protecting natural night skies led her to spearhead efforts to establish a statewide chapter in Kentucky. In 2025, DarkSky Kentucky was officially recognized as a volunteer chapter of DarkSky International. Kelly now chairs the statewide board and serves on both the Marketing & Communications Committee and the Education & Outreach Committee,helping guide the Commonwealth’s growing movement to reduce light pollution.
Non-members are welcome to attend as well as those with questions about using their telescope. Someone will be willing to help you out. Feel free to bring your scope along.
Our meeting is at a new venue, The Youth Center at Epiphany Catholic Church on 914 Old Harrods Creek Rd in Anchorage. Here is the Google map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGKhcTDCt3YFjzgh6
