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Highlands Today

Beautiful Night Sky

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Chris Stephan

Published: February 23, 2008

I am a very active amateur astronomer and have lived in Highlands County since 1984. When I first arrived here I was awed at the dark night sky. The sights of the stars and the Milky Way were visible from most areas of Highlands just a short drive from the main city areas. Now, to see the pristine night sky, one has to go out past Lorida, or down to the Venus area.

As a science teacher in our county schools, I have taught astronomy and have hosted many star parties for my students and their families. Some of you readers will remember attending these star parties. We always held them out in the country, but not too far away. Now, if we want to have a dark sky sight, it is virtually impossible. Parents won't want to drive students long distances, and I don't blame them.

The night sky is a natural wonder, just as lovely and important as the Florida scrub, our local lakes, or our state park. Yet, go out on a clear night, let your eyes dark adapt, and take a look up. The sky is full of light pollution-trespass to well above the horizon. I find it is very difficult to use my telescopes at home since the sky is so lit up. I live about five miles outside of Sebring.

I would like to propose that our county commissioners create a light pollution-trespass ordinance. I am very aware of the need of light for our safety and security. However, if we would shield our lights so that the light would be projected downward, where it is meant to be, that would make a great difference. If you go by any of our large shopping centers at night, look at the lighting. A large portion of the light is going upward. This is a waste of energy and light. New lights are being made that send the light where it is meant to shine. Many new lights take advantage of spectral ranges that do not disturb the human night vision.

The International Dark-Sky Association web site is loaded with educational information on this issue. It has suggestions on types of lighting, and a whole list of approved light fixtures. There are several examples of cities-counties all over the USA that have successfully created light pollution-trespass ordinances. Please look at www.darksky.org for more information about this. Let's help protect our night sky before it's to late, but not at the expense of safety and our security. Thank you.

Chris Stephan
Robert Clyde Observatory
Sebring

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