The Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve is a conservation area in Central Ontario, Canada, about 112 miles (181 km) north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The location and topography make the Torrance Barrens an excellent location for night-time sky viewing opportunities; there is no light pollution of nearby cities, telescopes and cameras can be stationed on its solid bedrock, and the natural open space provides an unobstructed panorama of the sky and horizon. Please note that the Township of Muskoka Lakes has recently passed a measure banning all camping in the area until further notice. However in the meantime, the reserve is open to the public for overnight hikes and short-term stargazing. For more information, please visit online or call 800-267-9700.
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.