Down to Earth Blog

Get Out of the Glare:  Last week I was vacationing in Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia and one of the big treats was seeing the Milky Way and the thousands of stars at night. I took some photos, including the one below:

(The Little Dipper is in the center. Credit: Dan Kulpinski / AOL)

I live near Washington, D.C., and I can't see nine-tenths of these stars -- nor the Little Dipper.  Big Dipper, yes.  If you live in or near a big city, you probably have a similar problem.  It's a shame many of us have to travel in order to see the glories of the night sky.

If you are concerned about light pollution -- the urban and suburban glare that washes out the stars -- check out the International Dark Sky Association. They have images of the Earth and the United States at night. The eastern U.S. is particularly bright at night.

How much can you see -- or can't you see -- from where you live?

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• #2 Comment from hahtn22 
  8/21/07 3:36 PM | Permalink

  When I was kid 51year ago, the skys were clear, and the air was fresh.  There was no need of air conditions or fans.  There were few buildings where I lived, and a lot of trees.  Now people are cutting down trees to build new buildings.  There are alot abondon buildings,  or building that can be renovated into new business.  I wonder why people can't get in their heads, that if they didn't cut down the trees and renovate the buildings.   Also, if we wanted fresh corn on the cob, we could just walk to the garden and get a couple ears.  Everyone is scared to eat anything, even it they grow it.   And if they grow these products themselves, then the health department want to shut them down.                                     Some of my words might be mispelled, but I think you understand.  Have you ever taste the  clear and sweet taste of well water, I have.  I understand that most of the readers of  my feelings, and never experience what I'm talking about.  I am from Cordova, Tennessee, now all of the trees are gone.
• #1 Comment from johnnyjsnk 
  7/27/07 11:55 PM | Permalink

  i never thought of lite polluation" I live in the country, I know how beautiful the night sky is, on a dark night.! Sorry the lites would, take so much away!!  Sorry