SKYWATCH: Spring 2021
By Phillip Virden: Lake City, Colorado Amateur Astronomer, Cooperative Observer for 30+ years for National Weather Service, Dark Sky Coordinator for Lake Fork Valley Conservancy
Greetings Skywatchers! This special edition of Skywatch will provide information on the International Dark Sky Association’s Dark Sky Week, light pollution, ways everyone can do their part to protect the beauty of the night sky wherever you may be, plus the economic benefits of astrotourism.
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
IDA Dark Sky Week
Established in 1988, The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. April 5-12 is IDA’s International Dark Sky Week. IDA has certified approximately 150 dark sky places around the world. One of those is the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy’s Slumgullion Center near Lake City, Colorado.
There will be a special dark sky event on Tuesday, April 6th from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at Windy Point Overlook. The session will focus on spring constellations. The event will be postponed if there is inclement weather.
How Can We Protect the Skies from Light Pollution?
What is Light pollution? Light pollution is any artificial light that is not needed and becomes a pollutant that has serious and harmful consequences. Light pollution:
• Disrupts the natural cycles of wildlife and plants.
• Impacts human health (such as sleep disorders and depression).
• Wastes money and energy (as much as 50% of outdoor lighting is squandered.
• Blocks out our view of the universe (most people have never seen the Milky Way galaxy – our home galaxy).
Over 80% of the world’s population lives under a light-polluted sky.
Light pollution is increasing at an alarming rate.
Have a neighbor that leaves their lights on all night and prevents you from seeing the stars and inhibits you from getting a good night’s sleep? Here is a link for some information that may help: My Neighbor's Lighting | International Dark-Sky Association
Ways to preserve our scenic night skies. We all should have the freedom to view the stars from our own property. We can all do our part in preventing light pollution and protecting our beautiful nocturnal landscape. Here are some steps you can take to keep the night sky dark:
• Assess your outdoor lighting around your residence or business. Poor lighting creates light pollution, emits blinding glare, and wastes enormous amounts of energy.
• Use only light what you need the light.
• Use energy efficient low wattage light bulbs.
• Shield light fixtures so that light is directed down and not up.
• Use an automatic timer or motion detector to use light only when you need it.
• Ask the question, do we even need outdoor lighting?
• Encourage your neighbors to participate in smart outdoor lighting.
• Assist your local government with ways to improve lighting ordinances.
Astrotourism - An Economic Boost for Lake City
So many visitors to our region of the state have not experienced such extraordinary night skies like we have here in Lake City and other surrounding communities. Our starry night skies make for a memorable experience for visitors to Colorado. We are currently working with the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, Hinsdale County, the Town of Lake City, the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy, the State of Colorado Tourism Department, the Pioneer Jubilee Women’s Club, the Lake City Public Library, the Black Canyon Astronomical Society, Grand Mesa Observatory, Colorado IDA, Curecanti Recreation Area, Gunnison Observatory, Lake City Community School, DIRT, the University of Colorado, Western State University, and Colorado Stargazing. Colorado Stargazing connects several Colorado locations known for their dark skies and incredible stargazing opportunities. It also highlights dark-sky events and encourages the conservation and preservation of all Colorado’s natural and cultural resources. Colorado Stargazing participants include Creede, Crestone, Westcliffe, La Veta, Chuchara, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Lake City.
Defending our dark skies is good business. “Astrotourism” is a growing economic boost to local communities. A great value of astrotourism is that these folks stay overnight, looks for good places to eat, and search out for memorable souvenirs to take home to family and friends.
“Day is a solar cathedral, night a starry sanctuary.”
For additional information on astrotourism: What is Astrotourism? - Night Sky Tourist
For additional information on dark sky efforts: www.darksky.org
For additional information on Colorado Stargazing: www.coloradostargazing.com
For additional information on Lake City’s Lake Fork Conservancy stargazing and ways to be good stewards of our environment: www.lfvc.org