As of June 10, Michigan State Parks that are Dark-Sky Preserves are now open 24 hours to allow people to experience the natural night sky.
Author: msoey
IDA approves Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park!
The International Dark-Sky Association has named Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park based at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, MI in the U.P. as the newest dark-sky park in Michigan!
May 18 talk at Brighton Public Library
Wed, May 18 at 7 pm: Gillen Brown will present on Light Pollution and Michigan’s Dark Skies at Brighton District Library, 100 Library Dr, Brighton. This event is in person.
New studies on pedestrian visibility
Clanton and Associates announces new studies of pedestrian visibility in roadways as a function of color temperature, LED vs HPS, and environmental conditions.
Parkour athletes turn off lights in France
Parkour athletes in France are making a sport of turning off lights of businesses violating local lighting ordinances, as reported by BBC News.
Visibility of satellite constellations
A new article in the Astronomical Journal shows that observers at 40 – 50 deg N/S latitude are impacted the most by satellite constellations, especially near the summer solstice. Locations of the satellite constellations can be tracked on a free iPad/iPhone app.
Detroit #2 most Light-Polluted city in US
The Free Press reports that Detroit is #2 in light pollution nationwide, according to SavvySleeper.org (see previous post). The Freep article discusses holiday lighting, the new Ann Arbor lighting ordinance, and Detroit light pollution.
Light pollution and sleep
SavvySleeper.org finds that Detroit ranks #2 in light pollution in the US. They also find that residents in more light-polluted cities sleep for fewer hours at night. The American Medical Association has linked this to a variety serious health problems.
How LED billboard companies operate
Baltimore Brew reveals how LED billboard advertising was maneuvered into place in Baltimore and Chicago, for a pittance in revenue. Similar dynamics have been at play in Detroit.
Brown Bag Lunch on Light Pollution
On November 3, at 12 – 1pm, the Livingston County Planning Department is hosting a bag lunch presentation on “Reducing Light Pollution for Night Sky Viewing” by Robert Parrish, Vice President of Cass County Parks and Recreation Board and Delegate of the International Dark-Sky Association. The Brown Bag Lunch Series brings together planning professionals, local governments and others, to share ideas and network. Attend in person in Howell, MI, or on-line via Zoom; details posted HERE.