Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2018 22:54:15 GMT -5
I read that there are millions of Americans who have never seen the stars. Light pollution around the big cities is so bad that millions of people can never see any but the brightest stars on the clearest nights. Many will never see the Milky Way. This is a huge disconnect from from the formative experience of the human race. I don't have a suggestion on what to do about it, but I think it is sad. Before one can enjoy our Universe, the seed has to have been planted at some point in time by family, relatives, friends, schools, and mentors etc., for this connection to take place. I remember that Mount Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California (USA) was starting to have a light pollution issue. They worked with the nearby City of Escondido, wherein that city moved forwards in converting to the yellow streetlights. I believe this was back in the 1980's. Now, whether or not Escondido is still abiding by this practice is not known. I do know that many times during my visits to my parents avocado ranch in Pauma Valley, California, I would step outside around 9PM or so (in total darkness), to observe the night sky above. To see and enjoy the Milky Way, other galaxies, shooting stars, satellites, and some objects I just wasn't sure what they were (and we'll leave it at that). My buddies and I used to fish the Klamath River area, just a couple of miles West of Happy Camp, California (this is Northern California) for Steelhead. We'd pitch a shepherds tent and stay for about 9 to 10 nights just off the river. I would usually stay up after everyone meandered off to their sleeping bags to enjoy the warmth of the camp fire (which had now turned to orange coals), two fingers of bourbon, and the night sky (without any light pollution). About 5 years back, my wife, daughter, and I took a Summer vacation drive to Topeka, Kansas to visit her Cousin for a number of days. During the trip, we decided to check out the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico www.nps.gov/cave/index.htmWe checked-in to our hotel, and then drove out to the caverns to enjoy a talk about the caverns as dusk began to approach, which was followed by hundreds of cave bats exiting from below. Its amazing watching this parade of bats as it never seems to end. Just wave after wave of bats. Of course, you build up quite an appetite from watching so many bats, and it was decided to drive all the way into the City of Carlsbad for something to eat. Following our consumption of food and desserts, we got back into the car and headed back to our hotel near the caverns. About three quarters of the way back, I found a small turn-off and parked the car off the two lane road. About twenty feet. My wife appeared startled and wondered why we had pulled of the road in total darkness, I said "Get out of the car. I want to show you and Isabel something." Once our eye quickly adjusted, I said "Now look up" and pointed to Milky Way above. They were very impressed and in-awe to see a very clear Milky Way, satellites, and shooting stars (without and light pollution period). This is what keeps me connected, and why I enjoy our community here in Bend, Oregon. I see it every night (and sometimes the ISS) while walking the dogs on our last walk of the night  Nice thread topic Ronv69 |
|
Screaming Jazz
Junior Member
Enjoying a peaceful night
Posts: 247
Favorite Pipe: Tsuge Sandblasted Bent Billiard
Favorite Tobacco: HH Vintage Syrian
Location:
|
Post by Screaming Jazz on Sept 17, 2018 23:11:32 GMT -5
I agree that it's a tragedy. It isn't the worst thing, to be honest. I really enjoy a good look at the stars, though. I go on night hikes with my roommates to get out of the city just enough to see a few of the brighter constellations. Just curious, have you ever seen a completely clear night sky in an area so dark that you felt like you could read by the starlight, and the entire sky was shining? That is the way it is in the Guadeloupe mountains and Fort Davis. It is like another world. 4-5 years ago I went on a hike through the seven devils in Idaho. I could see the sky pretty well then. It was beautiful. I'm sure it isn't as clear as the place you were at but it was the best I've seen. |
|
|
|
Post by antb on Sept 18, 2018 2:06:07 GMT -5
I think humans are becoming disconnected from the earth as a whole. True words. When last did many of you touch a plant or walk barefoot on the beach/field/rocks? Go hug a tree now!  It'll make you feel good, I promise. |
|
|
|
Post by antb on Sept 18, 2018 2:09:50 GMT -5
I agree that it's a tragedy. It isn't the worst thing, to be honest. I really enjoy a good look at the stars, though. I go on night hikes with my roommates to get out of the city just enough to see a few of the brighter constellations. Just curious, have you ever seen a completely clear night sky in an area so dark that you felt like you could read by the starlight, and the entire sky was shining? That is the way it is in the Guadeloupe mountains and Fort Davis. It is like another world. Played poker by starlight only in the middle of the Namib desert once. Thank God I live on the Dark Continent. Nice thread. Thanks Ronv. |
|
|
|
Post by Legend Lover on Sept 18, 2018 6:45:28 GMT -5
Yea, nice thread Ronv69. one of my more memorable events of the summer this year was when we had pizza using out pizza oven/chiminea. After we ate and the girls were in bed, I put more fuel on the fire and we sat outside and star-gazed in the back garden. I also smoking my pipe, so it was an even better experience. If I'm on the north coast when it's dark, I would drive onto the beach and open the sunroof and watch the shooting stars. Sometimes you can see the Northern Lights too. I've yet to see them, but it's one of the nicest things to do. In fact, my wife likes watching the stars so much, that I planned proposing under the stars on the beach that we often frequented. Unfortunately the sky was full of clouds. I still proposed. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 7:23:23 GMT -5
Vacationed in the British Virgin Islands one year. Stayed out on a 48ft. Boat. One evening I went out on the front bow at 3 AM and layed down to view more stars than I will ever see in this life.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 7:28:28 GMT -5
I agree that it's a tragedy. It isn't the worst thing, to be honest. I really enjoy a good look at the stars, though. I go on night hikes with my roommates to get out of the city just enough to see a few of the brighter constellations. Just curious, have you ever seen a completely clear night sky in an area so dark that you felt like you could read by the starlight, and the entire sky was shining? That is the way it is in the Guadeloupe mountains and Fort Davis. It is like another world. That's one of the reasons my favorite spots in the country are deserts and under populated areas like SE Colorado. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 8:02:21 GMT -5
Brings back memories when I visited my Mom in Nevada. Driving through the dessert at night, what beautiful open sky’s.
|
|
|
|
Post by pappyjoe on Sept 18, 2018 8:31:56 GMT -5
Seeing the stars at night is one of the things I miss about my life aboard an icebreaker. I know have beautiful the stars are when you're up in the mountains, but imagine sitting on the helo deck, in the middle of an ice field in the middle of the Bering Sea and having the stars light up the ice. Or, sitting on the deck at 2 AM while in the middle of the South Pacific and over 1500 miles from the nearest land.
Would say the same for the Antartica but we were there during the summer months (January & February). Instead of stars, we would watch the sun rise, set and then traverse the horizon and rise again.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldcajun123 on Sept 18, 2018 8:34:44 GMT -5
 One night in the Gulf at anchor on our shrimp boat, we had a show of flying fish jumping in and out of a rare phosurous green swirls, Bright starts twinkling, just a faboulas show. Pop said enjoy this cause it rarely happens, 20 yrs later fishing around Timbalier Island near Grand Isle I saw the Phosurous show again, catching redfish, swirling in a green neon light, jumping, darting, just Nature at its best.
|
|
|
|
Post by kxg on Sept 18, 2018 8:35:26 GMT -5
Fortunately, I live in that dark expanse between Denver, Wichita, and KC. I get to watch the stars most every night. I don’t tire of the experience. |
|
|
|
Post by Legend Lover on Sept 18, 2018 9:11:01 GMT -5
Sometimes the moon is so bright it outshines the stars.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 10:24:44 GMT -5
Brings back memories when I visited my Mom in Nevada. Driving through the dessert at night, what beautiful open sky’s. Was she a dancer or a dealer? 😎🤠😉😈🤡 |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 10:26:07 GMT -5
Fortunately, I live in that dark expanse between Denver, Wichita, and KC. I get to watch the stars most every night. I don’t tire of the experience. That's nice. I live in the real bright spot on the Gulf Coast. |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 10:28:42 GMT -5
Just curious, have you ever seen a completely clear night sky in an area so dark that you felt like you could read by the starlight, and the entire sky was shining? That is the way it is in the Guadeloupe mountains and Fort Davis. It is like another world. 4-5 years ago I went on a hike through the seven devils in Idaho. I could see the sky pretty well then. It was beautiful. I'm sure it isn't as clear as the place you were at but it was the best I've seen. It was probably pretty close. The humidity was probably low so that helps. I think the altitude makes more difference to telescopes than to general star watching. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 13:13:20 GMT -5
Brings back memories when I visited my Mom in Nevada. Driving through the dessert at night, what beautiful open sky’s. Was she a dancer or a dealer? 😎🤠😉😈🤡 Ummmmmm...my Mom. We went fir a ride to Red Rocks👍👍 |
|
rmb
Full Member
Posts: 646
First Name: Ryan
Favorite Pipe: Currently an IMP meerschaum cutty that may or may not be rose colored.
Favorite Tobacco: English/Balkan
Location:
|
Post by rmb on Sept 18, 2018 13:19:35 GMT -5
Was she a dancer or a dealer? 😎🤠😉😈🤡 Ummmmmm...my Mom. We went fir a ride to Red Rocks👍👍 Hoping to make it to red rocks and Zion one of these days! |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 13:21:42 GMT -5
Ummmmmm...my Mom. We went fir a ride to Red Rocks👍👍 Hoping to make it to red rocks and Zion one of these days! Absolutely stunning, my Mom really enjoyed the outdoors as well. You’ll enjoy if your a person that loves outdoors, which from what you wrot....you are👌👍👍 |
|
|
|
Post by slowroll on Sept 18, 2018 13:43:15 GMT -5
Ummmmmm...my Mom. We went fir a ride to Red Rocks👍👍 Hoping to make it to red rocks and Zion one of these days! If you go go Zion, you need to do the rest of Southern Utah -- Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park. |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 18:50:20 GMT -5
I like looking at the stars and reflecting on my mortality I reflect on that often. Gives me something to look forward to. I do not say that in any way meaning self pity or dourness. I am a huge believer in the other side David?  |
|
|
|
Post by Pistol Pete 1911 on Sept 18, 2018 18:53:30 GMT -5
Yea, nice thread Ronv69 . one of my more memorable events of the summer this year was when we had pizza using out pizza oven/chiminea. After we ate and the girls were in bed, I put more fuel on the fire and we sat outside and star-gazed in the back garden. I also smoking my pipe, so it was an even better experience. If I'm on the north coast when it's dark, I would drive onto the beach and open the sunroof and watch the shooting stars. Sometimes you can see the Northern Lights too. I've yet to see them, but it's one of the nicest things to do. In fact, my wife likes watching the stars so much, that I planned proposing under the stars on the beach that we often frequented. Unfortunately the sky was full of clouds. I still proposed.I'm assuming she can still tolerate living with you  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 18:54:46 GMT -5
I reflect on that often. Gives me something to look forward to. I do not say that in any way meaning self pity or dourness. I am a huge believer in the other side David? You know any other Reticulans? |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 18:55:34 GMT -5
David? You know any other Reticulans? I don't know if I know you! |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2018 18:59:35 GMT -5
You know any other Reticulans? I don't know if I know you! I was listening to music from Brigadoon, and it's been almost a hundred years since I've been there. Got kind of lonely and I don't think (with my health) I'm going to get there this century. Hoot mon! |
|
|
|
Post by bonanzadriver on Sept 18, 2018 20:18:35 GMT -5
My folks live in the mountains in AZ, somewhere around 6300' elevation. Beautiful star watchin for sure.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 20:24:24 GMT -5
My folks live in the mountains in AZ, somewhere around 6300' elevation. Beautiful star watchin for sure. Some strange name, right? Like "Straight Flush" or something? |
|
|
|
Post by bonanzadriver on Sept 18, 2018 20:31:02 GMT -5
Ron,
legend has it that back in the 1800's the two ranchers that founded the community in the White Mountains decided that the town wadn't big enough fer the both of em...
They supposedly played a marathon round of poker and weren't making any significant headway either way.
Finally on of them decided that they would "cut the deck" and who ever had the lowest card would win...
The winner cut a "Deuce of Clubs" and won.
Subsequently they named the town "Show Low" and the main street is "Deuce of Clubs".
It used to really be a quaint place. Population has more than doubled in the 30 years my folks have lived there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Sept 18, 2018 20:34:43 GMT -5
Ron, legend has it that back in the 1800's the two ranchers that founded the community in the White Mountains decided that the town wadn't big enough fer the both of em... They supposedly played a marathon round of poker and weren't making any significant headway either way. Finally on of them decided that they would "cut the deck" and who ever had the lowest card would win... The winner cut a "Deuce of Clubs" and won. Subsequently they named the town "Show Low" and the main street is "Deuce of Clubs". It used to really be a quaint place. Population has more than doubled in the 30 years my folks have lived there. I saw that on the map when we were in AZ, and I remembered you mentioned it. I read up on it. I wanted to see it, but the wife wanted the supper being prepared for us in Albuquerque. I thought it sounded like a nice place. |
|
|
|
Post by bonanzadriver on Sept 18, 2018 20:39:51 GMT -5
Lots of Texans and Okies up in Show Low Ron. In my folks case Both! Dad's from West Texas, Mom from SE OK. ;-)
|
|
|
|
Post by qmechanics on Sept 20, 2018 7:01:08 GMT -5
Thoughts?? From time to time....😁
|
|
It'll make you feel good, I promise.
One night in the Gulf at anchor on our shrimp boat, we had a show of flying fish jumping in and out of a rare phosurous green swirls, Bright starts twinkling, just a faboulas show. Pop said enjoy this cause it rarely happens, 20 yrs later fishing around Timbalier Island near Grand Isle I saw the Phosurous show again, catching redfish, swirling in a green neon light, jumping, darting, just Nature at its best.
