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THE GLOW IN THE NIGHT
The future is rushing at us at an incredible rate. While most discussions about developments in that coming future revolve around such things as Artificial Intelligence, the war in Ukraine or even national politics and jurisprudence, the reality of truly being thrust into the future revolves around space travel and astrophysics. The coming revolution, and revolution it will be, is about to hit the world some pretty mighty blows. Astounding things will happen over the course of the next ten years, including travel back to the moon by astronauts of several nations, a base on that moon, or more than one, new space stations revolving about the earth and ever, and very likely, an expedition to Mars.
What’s happening on the home front around Geneva Lake, even outside of the developments being pursued at Geneva Lake’s most identifiable and famous central feature called the Yerkes Observatory?
Well, Geneva Lakes Astrophysics and STEAM’s Education and Outreach Manager, Adam McCulloch, presented ideas and future plans with “Dark Skies”. Dark Skies is an outfit that’s all about light pollution and what can be done about it. Light pollution is an abundance of light in places it is not intended to be. Sky glow occurs when there’s too much light directed upward. Glare is what horizontal light is called. Glare can cause blurred vision. Trespassing light is when one area illuminates another area. Clutter is just too much light in one place. Why are these light pollutants a big deal and why should they be lessened? Adam shared some of the issues and consequences of this kind of pollution. The purpose behind the Dark Skies initiative is to regulate the spillover of light and glare on pedestrians and drivers. Land uses in proximity to light usage, traffic safety, minimizing the creation of light nuisances, and enhancing and preserving the night sky are all great reasons to further consideration and research the different forms of light pollution. Many people reading this article might not think that the Geneva Lake area has a problem with light pollution, as it’s not super close to a major city, but in fact it has a lot of room for improvement.
Adam, and a handful of interns, will be researching the Geneva Lakes area and the effects of light pollution around it. The different municipalities that surround the lake have different ordinances when it comes to lighting and the research team will be looking at each one as well as for ways to improve in every regulating area. Sometime near the end of summer Adam will once again represent STEAM and propose changes to city officials. Cities all over the nation have considered light pollution and have made changes that have positively affected their communities. The night sky is a beautiful thing and the darker the better when it comes to gazing at the beauty on display of the solar system, the galaxy and most of its stars. We will all participate in this coming adventure out into the solar system and then the stars with developments in fusion technology taking down one current barrier after another to humanity’s very necessary surge into the heavens.
Pay attention to those local things that can be paid attention to in this area and celebrate the fact that Geneva Lake communities really do have a place in it all, and an important one not just from a starry past but on into an even more starry future. Never forget the blessing of living in time when we know so much about what’s out there.
