Thread: A Night of Stars

Should countries around the world put aside at least one night (or 1 hr) a year where it's lights out, so people can appreciate the view of a moonless night canopy without urban light pollution?

I understand there is still need for emergency equipment but a night without light pollution can't help but be therapeutic when people can finally appreciate just what's really twinkling above them. Astronomers know the amazing vistas that can be viewed, even without the aid of telescopes. I think people in big cities would really be awed by the experience.

Originally Posted by zinjanthropos

Should countries around the world put aside at least one night (or 1 hr) a year where it's lights out, so people can appreciate the view of a moonless night canopy without urban light pollution?

I understand there is still need for emergency equipment but a night without light pollution can't help but be therapeutic when people can finally appreciate just what's really twinkling above them. Astronomers know the amazing vistas that can be viewed, even without the aid of telescopes. I think people in big cities would really be awed by the experience.

Thieves would be all for it!

apart from the usual suspects, do you really think many peeople are all that fussed about the night sky ?

saying that, having seen Halley's comet in March 1987 form the Blue Mountains in Lesotho was a magical experience against the backdrop of the southern hemisphere stars - presumably the total absence of light pollution did help

Originally Posted by marnixR

apart from the usual suspects, do you really think many peeople are all that fussed about the night sky ?

I think zinjanthropos's idea is to guide people towards being fussed about it.
It's a nice suggestion.

Originally Posted by Ophiolite

I think zinjanthropos's idea is to guide people towards being fussed about it.
It's a nice suggestion.

it's probably true that most people have forgotten (or have never experienced) what an unpolluted night sky looks like

i am reminded of a simpsons episode. it would be nice to have no lights in the whole city. but more crimes would probably take place.

1- Are street lights on a separate circuit to everything else that could be cut out without total blackout to a city?

2- Would this be on a predetermined date? If so, Sod's law says it would be cloudy...