Our Story
Why is the environment treated so poorly? Why do so many people think that humans are more important than the other life forms on the planet? Douglas Arion thought that if people looked up and understood where we came from and where we fit in the Universe, maybe, just maybe, they would become better stewards of the Earth. In 2012 he founded Mountains of Stars to create and deliver astronomy-based programs and activities to the public to change behaviors and motivate people to protect the natural environment.
Everyone likes astronomy - and since it is the study of the entire Universe it includes the history of the Cosmos, the formation of stars and planets, and the chemistry and biology that led to life itself, making it the perfect way to create environmental awareness from a cosmic perspective.
Since its inception, Mountains of Stars has served over 70,000 people with hands-on, in depth programs and activities, and trained hundreds of outdoors and nature guides and science students. One of the significant accomplishments was the creation of the AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park by the Appalachian Mountain Club, protecting over 100,000 acres of the last dark sky region in the eastern 2/3 of the United States.
Mountains of Stars has installed telescopes and astronomy-based demonstrations and activities at many locations throughout the northeast US. These are used regularly by thousands of guests and visitors each year in partnerships with environmental, conservation, and educational organizations. Mountains of Stars programs have a strong reputation and are requested by schools, libraries, and parks throughout New England.
We hope to relaunch our summer student internship program. This allowed us to deliver programs to large audiences, and the students who served in these roles have taken their new skills and gone on to become Forest Rangers, middle and high school science teachers, science outreach professionals, and research scientists in industry and academia. Their success shows the value of their experience working with the public in environmental conservation and science.
Learn more about Mountains of Stars programs and what we offer
Visit the Learning Center for our curated collection of articles,
videos, presentations, apps, and other resources!
Some of our programs and activities:
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Order Galileoscope Telescope Kits with Solar Filters for education, outreach, and especially the Total Solar Eclipse!
For eclipse information, Make sure to visit the American Astronomical Society Eclipse Website.
“Adrift in a cosmos whose shores he cannot even imagine, man spends his energies in fighting with his fellow man over issues which a single look through this telescope would show to be utterly inconsequential.”
— Raymond Fosdick, Rockefeller foundation president, at the dedication of the 200 inch Hale telescope, 3 June 1948.
