ANSA NEWS!
Arkansas Natural Sky Association
ANSA is a membership-based 501(c)3 non-profit & the Arkansas chapter of DarkSky International.
🔭 The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will be hosting a Star Party at Lake Sylvia Arkansas State Parks Park!
Saturday February 21, 2026 from 6:30-10:00 PM.
Please share to help us get the word out.
More details here:
nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/events/122964/
✨ Exciting News! ✨
🎓 University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently received a $1.2 million gift to restore its planetarium, a longtime campus landmark that's been closed for nearly 20 years.
🔨 The facility will undergo a full renovation, including major technology upgrades, improvements to the roof and flooring, home theater-style seating for up to 89 visitors, and the installation of a state-of-the-art projection system for unobstructed views of the dome.
🪐 Reopening in Fall 2026, the planetarium will serve UA Little Rock students, faculty, and staff, as well as K–12 school groups and members of the general public.
Get the details:
bit.ly/ShellamFlake
🌿10th Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit
📅 When: Friday, February 20 from 9:00am-3:00pm
📍 Where: Worsham Hall at the Student Life & Technology Center, Hendrix College (1600 Washington Ave, Conway, AR 72032)
🍃 The Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit is a one-day event designed to bring together activists, regulators, elected officials, students, academics, experts, and others to discuss our state's most pressing environmental issues.
🗣️ KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
This year's keynote speakers will present on the role of social scientists in conservation, environmental protection, and sustainability.
🎓 This presentation will feature:
- Dr. Carmen Merrick, Hendrix College
- Dr. Jennifer Penner, Hendrix College
💬 The event will feature breakout sessions on:
- Electric Transmission 101
- Status of Wind Energy Policy in Arkansas
- SWEPCO's Latest Moves and What They Mean for Arkansas
- "Big Ideas" for Arkansas' Environment
✅ Things to Know:
- Registration includes lunch provided through the Hendrix College Dining Hall, which provides a diverse array of food choices. Please note in your registration any dietary requirements that should be passed along. Dining Services will do their best to accommodate all attendees.
- Parking will be available on campus for all attendees but may require walking. See here for a Hendrix campus map. Worsham Hall is located in the Student Life & Technology Center (SLTC).
- Please note in your registration any mobility needs related to parking. Staff will reach out to you ahead of the Summit.
Questions? Please email uta.meyer@audubon.org
🤝 Sponsors: Arkansas Citizens' Climate League, Citizens Climate Lobby, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Arkansas Natural Sky Association, Sierra Club-Arkansas Chapter, Audubon Delta, The Ozark Society, Southerners for Renewable Energy, Zero Hour and Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.
Register for this event at the link below!
Register for the 10th Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit!
act.audubon.org
The Summit is a one-day event to bring together activists, regulators, elected officials, students, academics, experts, and others to discuss our state's most pressing environmental issues.