I was in Africa when I discovered that as far as I could see, the heavens were populated with so many stars that the darkness wasn’t even noticeable. That was over 40 years ago and I still can see the picture in my mind. What a gift to behold.
I consider myself lucky to live on Haida Gwaii, a sparsely populated archipelago off the west coast of Canada, where You can observe the "dark skies" from everywhere outside the few small settlements. And yes, for me being able to see thousands of stars and the milky way whenever there is a clear night definitely adds to my quality of life and unlike so many other pleasures this comes at no cost....
I am a property owner within the Big Bend area in Texas that is mentioned here. There is little any of us can say or type that will convey the wonder of the sky in that darkness. I would defer to Cormac McCarthy in All the Pretty Horses:
“they rode out on the round dais of the earth which alone was dark and no light to it and which carried their figures and bore them up into the swarming stars so that they rode not under but among them and they rode at once jaunty and circumspect, like thieves newly loosed into that dark electric, like young thieves in a glowing orchard, loosely jacketed against the cold and ten thousand worlds for the choosing”
I remember the first time I really saw the Milky Way. It was the winter of 1974 in Fairbanks, Alaska. I was transfixed, it was 15 below and I didn’t care.
Government pushed by activists has no trouble taking our liberties away from us. CoViD is one easy example with lockdowns and closings and forbidden activities. How about gas cooking stoves, that many people love to use. Or maybe the relentless attack on the second amendment that wants to confiscate the guns of law abiding citizens. They wanted to take away our police, and actually did it until that crazy idea predictably failed. I don't know, but let's face it, the track record speaks volumes. I try to learn from experience.
I was fortunate enough to participate in Voyager’s Outward Bound Big Bend program. I spent the solo night in absolute awe of the indescribable night sky where we were fortunate to also have a new moon. A definite life experience which I guess was the whole point.
They're trying to create spaces where there's little light pollution. I hate to tell them, but if you drive about 75 miles outside of large towns, there's plenty of dark sky. I lived in one such place for 10 years and the stars, the Milky Way and the night sky during a full moon are amazing to behold. But it's there; all you have to do is leave town.
https://www.bigbenddarkskyreserve.org/#:~:text=Spanning%20over%2015%2C000%20square%20miles,Certified%20place%20in%20the%20world.
https://www.bigbenddarkskyreserve.org/#:~:text=Spanning%20over%2015%2C000%20square%20miles,Certified%20place%20in%20the%20world.
Good subject to focus on.
Visit Marfa, Texas! You will be amazed at the night sky there!
I was in Africa when I discovered that as far as I could see, the heavens were populated with so many stars that the darkness wasn’t even noticeable. That was over 40 years ago and I still can see the picture in my mind. What a gift to behold.
I consider myself lucky to live on Haida Gwaii, a sparsely populated archipelago off the west coast of Canada, where You can observe the "dark skies" from everywhere outside the few small settlements. And yes, for me being able to see thousands of stars and the milky way whenever there is a clear night definitely adds to my quality of life and unlike so many other pleasures this comes at no cost....
Well now that he sounds like he’s not a real supporter of israel he’s lost my vote!
This is a perfect example of why human progress is good for the environment. Such a concern is pretty high up on "Maslow's hierarchy of needs".
I am a property owner within the Big Bend area in Texas that is mentioned here. There is little any of us can say or type that will convey the wonder of the sky in that darkness. I would defer to Cormac McCarthy in All the Pretty Horses:
“they rode out on the round dais of the earth which alone was dark and no light to it and which carried their figures and bore them up into the swarming stars so that they rode not under but among them and they rode at once jaunty and circumspect, like thieves newly loosed into that dark electric, like young thieves in a glowing orchard, loosely jacketed against the cold and ten thousand worlds for the choosing”
Gorgeous
I remember the first time I really saw the Milky Way. It was the winter of 1974 in Fairbanks, Alaska. I was transfixed, it was 15 below and I didn’t care.
The middle of lakes Superior and Huron are great places from which to see the night sky
If you want truly dark skies look to North Korea. They have perfected the dream of no light pollution.
Thank you. I absolutely am in awe of the Heavens. I wish everyone could see what God has created
Government pushed by activists has no trouble taking our liberties away from us. CoViD is one easy example with lockdowns and closings and forbidden activities. How about gas cooking stoves, that many people love to use. Or maybe the relentless attack on the second amendment that wants to confiscate the guns of law abiding citizens. They wanted to take away our police, and actually did it until that crazy idea predictably failed. I don't know, but let's face it, the track record speaks volumes. I try to learn from experience.
I was fortunate enough to participate in Voyager’s Outward Bound Big Bend program. I spent the solo night in absolute awe of the indescribable night sky where we were fortunate to also have a new moon. A definite life experience which I guess was the whole point.
They're trying to create spaces where there's little light pollution. I hate to tell them, but if you drive about 75 miles outside of large towns, there's plenty of dark sky. I lived in one such place for 10 years and the stars, the Milky Way and the night sky during a full moon are amazing to behold. But it's there; all you have to do is leave town.