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| This promotional flier states that two-thirds of all people in the world and 99% of all people in the United States NEVER get to see truly dark skies! |
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nAllnweek long, the International Dark-Sky Association wants us to notice,ncelebrate, and champion the nighttime sky!
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nThisnis a part of Global Astronomy Month, so all of April may have somenspecial programs at your local observatory and planetarium!
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Lightnpollution is a growing problem, the IDA points out. Of course, itnhinders the work of visual astronomers and lessens the enjoyment ofnamateur astronomy buffs. But it also harms wildlife and wastesnenergy. It can cause problems for air travel and, in some cases, innhuman health. Some people argue that light pollution cuts modern cityndwellers off from an important source of awe and wonder—thenbeautiful night sky that is our birthright. n
Lightnpollution is a growing problem, the IDA points out. Of course, itnhinders the work of visual astronomers and lessens the enjoyment ofnamateur astronomy buffs. But it also harms wildlife and wastesnenergy. It can cause problems for air travel and, in some cases, innhuman health. Some people argue that light pollution cuts modern cityndwellers off from an important source of awe and wonder—thenbeautiful night sky that is our birthright. nn
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nHerenare a few easy activities you can do to celebrate this week:
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Checkn outdoor lighting to make sure you are only lighting up what youn intend to illuminate. Most light fixtures should be angled downwardn or shielded so that their light doesn’t go upward, and so that itn doesn’t “trespass” beyond your property.n
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nConsidern getting a motion detector for security lights. This can save youn money as well as eliminate unnecessary light pollution.
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nTaken a nighttime walk to discover problem lighting in your neighborhood.n Really bright, glaring lights don’t add to anybody’s safety, becausen they shrink our pupils and make it harder to see things.
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Gon someplace far from city lights to do some star gazing.n
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nMaken a plan to use fewer lights most nights. It’s fun to light up then backyard once in a while or to make your house a blaze of lightsn during a party, but most over-lighting is just lack of awareness.
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| Flagstaff has worked to reduce light pollution, and it has become the world’s first International Dark Sky City! |
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nFornmore ideas and resources—including handouts, a light audit, thenAdopt-a-Street program, a video, and booklets—go to this Universe Today page.
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nnnnSee how bright stars are in Flagstaff’s nighttime sky nowadays.
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nFor more on light pollution, check out this earlier post.n
nAlso on this date:
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nInternational Beaver Day
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WorldnHealth Day
WorldnHealth Dayn
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nMotherhoodnand Beauty Day in Armenia
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