Hilton Head Island, known for its Atlantic Ocean beaches and golf courses, is a small island off the coast of South Carolina about 171 miles (275 km) north of Jacksonville, Florida. The beaches are unaffected by artificial illumination, providing a dark and open sky ideal for successful stargazing. The Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum marks the southwest tip, while the Coastal Discovery Museum features heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens. Between the island and mainland, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh hosts deer, alligators and birds. Camping is also available at a variety of local campgrounds and RV parks. For more information, please visit online or call 800-523-3373 toll-free.
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.