Look Up! Eclipse and Dark Skies, oh my!
By Karin
Look up! There is so much to wonder at and so much to explore in our skies. It is currently a very special “Sky” time as we bear witness to an historic eclipse near totality in our area, as well as celebrate International Dark Sky week. Further, April marks the start of international bird migration, as billions of birds travel north mostly under cover of darkness. We have a lot of reasons to look up and appreciate and protect these natural wonders!
International Dark Sky Week began on April 2nd (2024) and will culminate on April 8th. It just so happens that April 8th is both the date of the next New Moon as well as a little something that is causing a lot of hubbub...a solar eclipse! Glen Ellyn is not quite in the path of totality, but it will still be something to behold! Get a pair of special eclipse glasses (still available for free at our very own Glen Ellyn Public Library) so that you can safely watch the eclipse, or create your own DIY eclipse watching method. If you are traveling to be in the path of totality, send us your story and pictures! (Legal note: Please don't stare into the sun, for goodness sake!)
Go Green is loving all the solar eclipse excitement as it getting everyone to discuss this celestial phenomenon and appreciate our earth and skies. Let's consider how we can help the earth while the sun is on the other side of the planet (that's right, that would be night!) and shine a spotlight on impact of light pollution in our own back yard.
Constellations that were easy to see when we were younger are currently obliterated by light pollution. Only 20% of the US can now see the Milky Way. Artificial light can impact ecosystems and disrupt nocturnal animals, impacting certain cues that occur in true darkness. It cause flocks of birds to drift off course or even crash into buildings. These 'bird strikes' result in up to a billion bird fatalities each year and pose a significant threat to already vulnerable populations. A lighter night sky also creates a disconnect from our cultural heritage of "using the heavens to navigate, learn about, and interpret our place in the universe." (National Park Service)
How can we contribute to a dark night sky?
Dark Sky International makes it easy for us to make better choices with guidelines for our lighting. Some of their suggestions include auditing your outside lighting, asking yourself:
Do your lights have a clear purpose?
Is the light directed to where it is needed?
Are the lights generating more light than you really need?
Are your lights on all night long?
Are you using warmer colored lighting where possible?
Educate yourself on how you can improve your lighting, and encourage your neighbors and others to do the same, including entities like churches, the park district, the village, etc. Of note, Glen Ellyn Park District just installed the state's first ever Dark Sky approved sports lighting on the new softball fields, and plans to do the same in the new downtown event park. These kinds of decisions can be made every day, but your support is needed to help our local institutions see the light. (pun intended!)
So during this special week that encompasses both International Dark Sky Week and a generational eclipse, let's take a moment to look up and appreciate the splendor of skies and do what we can to protect and preserve the beauty of the night sky and all who share it. See below for how you help -- the sky's the limit!
Actions you can take for clearer skies!
Take in the eclipse and marvel at the magic of our universe, inspiring you to do right by it! Here is NASA's interactive guide.
Appreciate the wonder of the night sky. Take a night hike, plan a vacation to a dark sky area, learn about the constellations and the locations of planets. (Here is a recommendation for apps to help stargazers).
After all that wonder and inspiration, get practical and take the International Dark Sky pledge! Repeat after me: "I pledge to protect the night by following the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, using lights only when and where I need them, and learning more about the impacts of artificial light on wildlife, habitats, and my community."
Take the next step and do an audit of your outdoor lighting per the Dark Sky guidelines. If you need to consider new lighting, DSI provides some guidance. You can also earn the DarkSky Friendly Home Certificate.
Help contribute to mapping the dark (or not so dark skies) with the Dark Sky Meter app (iphone)
Lights out for bird migration. Keep track of bird migration in your area (peaks in May!) and turn off or dim exterior lights and persuade businesses, schools, churches, and municipalities to dim their lights! Follow birdcast to see bird migration stats in real time.
Help get legislation passed! And vote for those who share you values about the environment.
Look up in wonder!
