Last weekend we participated in some of the Dark Sky activities in Grand Marais that celebrated the fact that we live in a place where the night sky can still be enjoyed by us all because of the lack of light pollution.
On our drive back to the west side of the county, we couldn’t help but notice numerous cases of lighting along Highway 61 that degrade our wonderful night views. Many signs are illuminated with powerful lights that point up with much of the light spilling out into the sky and across nearby trees and structures. Not only does this wreck all of our night views, it’s costing the owners of these signs.
Lights that are focused down and close to signs are much more efficient and present the signs’ messages better than those lighting up entire areas. We also saw examples of commercial lighting that, while having good fixtures that concentrated the light down, seemed excessive for their purpose. It was the same for many “security” lights at private residences.
We enjoyed the Geminid meteor showers from our deck. The night sky was incredibly clear and dark except for a haze of light from a commercial business nearby. Most of the light was not coming from their actual sign, but was reflected off trees the spotlight was spilling across. The glow erased meteors and stars from that part of the sky.
With the recognition that we have one of the best night skies in the country, we’re hoping that everyone will take a critical look at all of our lights, at home and at work, and do what they can to keep it that way. It will be much appreciated by your neighbors. Every light makes a difference.
Rick Brandenburg
Tofte
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