Saturday is the beginning of International Dark Sky week. Folks are encouraged to turn off the lights and enjoy the night sky, which in the U.P. can make for spectacular stargazing, however light pollution can have a detrimental effect both on the environment and your health. Vilas and Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Departments are promoting two Lights Out weekends this summer, the first on June 17th and 18th. The second weekend is scheduled to coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower August 12th and 13th. Both of those weekends will be the new moon, which will be prime sky watching time. Land and Water Conservation hopes folks will take the time to shut off the lights and enjoy the beautiful night sky without light pollution. More information can be foumd at oclw.org/northwoods-lights-out.