Light Pollution

Star Light, Star Not-So-Bright

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By Susan Tweit

It’s fall, and as the days shorten, I miss the sunlight, but I revel in the chance to star-gaze. Long nights combine with our clear, dry high-country air to provide perfect conditions for viewing the night sky.

Just before going to bed this time of year, Richard and I slip outside and turn our heads to the sky, searching for the dazzling river of the Milky Way, picking out the planets and their progression, and identifying the dot-to-dot patterns of the constellations.

Sadly, light pollution has erased the once-ordinary view of the stars in most cities and urban areas; even in uncrowded rural landscapes, badly-placed yard or security lights can blot out neighbors’ view of the night sky.

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Photon bombardments cause Leadville complaints

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Brief by Allen Best

Light Pollution – April 2004 – Colorado Central Magazine

Even at nearly two miles high in the Rockies, the Milky Way is getting blotted out by so-called “security” lights. That’s the report from one man in Leadville, elevation 10,182 feet, who is calling for a law mandating “smart illumination” to preserve the night sky.

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Let’s Enjoy Our Dark Nights

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Column by Hal Walter

Light Pollution – April 1999 – Colorado Central Magazine

IT NEVER QUITE MADE SENSE to me why somebody would wish to install a security light.

Sure, I can see how a yard light could be helpful in the winter when I arrive at home late in the evening and need to unload my vehicle, feed my critters and round up some firewood. But the negative aspects of security lights make my Petzl Micro — a small headlamp that runs practically forever on two AA batteries — seem like a much better alternative.

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