I made a comment about how few stars there were "on view" this week, compared to the skies we usually enjoy, because of the moonlight. Mary pointed out that even with the moon washing out much of the sky, there were more stars there than they ever get to see living in Ottawa. "Elizabeth," (their daughter) she said, "has probably only seen about two stars in her life."
Light pollution is an increasing problem, and is linked to all sorts of health issues as well -- we need the dark. We are short changing ourselves -- we are missing out on the most wonderful vistas, the chance to gaze into the Milky Way, and to marvel at the universe around us. This week, even while the moon limited our views of the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way, we saw the Big Dipper, Draco, Casseiopea, Antares in Scorpio, Sagittarius, Arcturus and all the stars in the Summer Triangle.
Nora is only 6, and stayed up well past her bedtime to look at the stars with us. She very kindly shared this wonderful card with me.
We go out on the lawn every week at Bondi to star-gaze. Recently we were joined by some folks from Baysville, who bid on the chance to come out with us at the local library fundraiser. They had a wonderful time, and now some of their friends have asked if they, too, may come and join. (yes, they can!) They have cottaged up here for many summers, lying on the dock looking at the stars, but didn't know which was which. It is a great experience to be able to recognize and "map" the sky above you, and something everyone should have the chance to do.
After all, if we only look down, there will never be stars!
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