Up to this point, I have told you of people or businesses that
have gone out of their way to do the right thing as far as trying
to preserve our dark skies. But now I would like to point out a
location in our area that has done just the opposite.
Up to this point, I have told you of people or businesses that have gone out of their way to do the right thing as far as trying to preserve our dark skies. But now I would like to point out a location in our area that has done just the opposite.
Not to cause any problems, but take a look at the light at Sunnyslope School shining horizontally, into the neighborhood, into drivers eyes, and up into the skies. You can see that light, without any trouble, for two blocks or more. And it is not just a dim light. If that area were lit up properly, they would not only have better lighting in their back yard, but would save money as well.
Most of the time people are unaware of what we call “Dark Skies” and the preservation of them. I’m sure whoever installed that light had no idea what that light would do. I have seen what has happened to our skies in the last 50 years. When I was young, we lived on Hawkins Street, and I remember looking up and seeing the Milky Way.
The other night, with clear skies, I went down to my old stomping grounds to see what I could see, or I should say, what I couldn’t see. There was no hint of most of the brightest stars, let alone the Milky Way. And if this trend continues, our grandchildren won’t be able to see even the brightest stars. So you can forget them even having a chance seeing any of the Messier Objects.
– By David Baumgartner
