I’ve seen satellite pictures of the night sky showing light coming out of Winthrop, but how does that relate to our view of the stars from the ground? How much are we affected? — Leslie Dolan By Howard Johnson I shall answer your question with a song. I’m thinking of the jazz tune by pianist Bill Evans […]
Light Matters
LIGHT MATTERS: In the eye of the beholder
I live in a dark neighborhood, but there’s this one house lit up like a carnival midway every night, all night, whether the owners are in town or not. What can I do? – Kathy Podmayer By Howard Johnson This defender of the night sky extends to Kathy his deepest sympathies. He dreams of a […]
LIGHT MATTERS: Moonlight vs. streetlights: exploring the differences
By Howard Johnson The Western man within me loves this question. Walking, even skiing, by the light of the moon is a marvelous experience. Even animals, especially the coyotes around my home, seem energized by the hearty glow of a full moon. It makes them howl ceaselessly throughout the night. Perhaps we do not wish […]
LIGHT MATTERS: Save our night sky
Methow Valley residents today enjoy a magnificently dark night sky filled with stars, planets, comets, the moon and myriad other celestial features. When city-dwellers visit, they often comment on the beautiful sweep of the Milky Way, the colorful glow of the Aurora Borealis, and the annual sparkling showers of meteors. Visitors comment on the sky […]