On Friday, April 12, Dennis Mammana presents stunning images of the Earth’s celestial attractions by an array of international photographers. The eternally peaceful night sky looks the same above the symbols of all nations and regions, attesting to the truly unified nature of Earth as a planet, rather than an amalgam of human-designated territories. As the world’s second official International Dark-Sky Community, Borrego Springs is part of an international effort to preserve the view of the dark night sky for now and future generations. Don’t miss this beautiful and inspirational program. At the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early for best seating.

We jump from the dark skies of night to the opposite side of day and to the latest technology that permits us to generate electrical power from the sun, the star that powers all life on Earth. Learn how solar panels produce electricity, what goes into a modern solar plant—such as the Borrego Solar Project—and what the future holds, and how the sunshine falling on Borrego will ultimately be delivered to homes and businesses in the form of electricity. The illustrated program takes place at the ABDNHA Borrego Desert Nature Center, in the ABDNHA Library. No charge. Space limited, call for reservations, 760-767-3098. If you are holding a reservation, but cannot attend, please call ahead so that someone else may have your place.

Reinforcing what we learned this morning about the production of solar energy, we will tour the NRG Borrego commercial solar plant to learn about its operations and capabilities. Participants will be boarding open-air vehicles at the Borrego Desert Nature Center and traveling together to the solar facility, with Paul Zavesoff as our guide. Space is limited to a total of 32 (16 on Tour 1, and 16 on Tour 2).

Reservations are required. Call to reserve, 760-767-3098. ABDNHA Members $6; Non-members $8. Bring water, sunglasses, wear closed-toed shoes, and dress for outdoors.

Hear the history of energy development in Imperial County and the reason for the geothermal plants located on the shores of the Salton Sea. Learn more about what geothermal energy is, why it’s at the Salton Sea, and how it transfers to energy we can use. Experience a short "virtual tour" of a geothermal plant. The program takes place at the ABDNHA Library. Seating is limited. Call for reservations, 760-767-3098.

Gain an overview of energy transmission and understand how generating stations, transformers, transmission lines, and substations connect to transmit energy to homes and businesses. Hear an update on the Borrego Microgrid—a research and development project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, and find out what’s been learned, and what the future holds for this complex grid system as applied to Borrego Springs. The program takes place at the ABDNHA Library. Seating is limited. Call for reservations, 760-767-3098.