Posted on

Calgary astronomers hope Dark Sky event reduces light pollution – Calgary | Globalnews.ca

Calgary astronomers hope Dark Sky event reduces light pollution - Calgary | Globalnews.ca

Some concerned Calgarians are urging people to think twice before firing up the lights around their homes each night.

Reducing the use of those lights would help those studying the stars and also improve life here on Earth.

“As the light pollution grows, that background light gets brighter and brighter, and begins to hide all the very faint and interesting things we’re trying to study,” University of Calgary astronomy professor Phil Langill said.

Read more:

Here are the best places to stargaze in Canada this summer

Langill and several of his students are spreading the word on an event that begins Friday, April 22: International Dark Sky Week.

“To remind people about the light that they use at night and the ill effects that it can have,” Langill said.

Story continues below advertisement

“If there’s a big bright street light across the street shining into your window, that interrupts the quality of your sleep. When I get behind on my sleep, I’m a sitting duck for getting a cold and I get cranky.”


Click to play video: 'Jasper Dark Sky Festival gets underway'







Jasper Dark Sky Festival gets underway


Jasper Dark Sky Festival gets underway – Oct 16, 2021

Using an abundance of lights can also cause problems for wildlife.

Read more:

University of Alberta dark sky preserve observatory a first for Western Canada

“Where there are lots of tall buildings, the birds get confused. They think that maybe they’re flying through a forest and the light is the space between the trees,” Langill said.

“They crash into the buildings and die. It’s very sad.”


Click to play video: 'University of Alberta dark sky preserve observatory a first for Western Canada'







University of Alberta dark sky preserve observatory a first for Western Canada


University of Alberta dark sky preserve observatory a first for Western Canada – Jan 16, 2021

People promoting International Dark Sky Week are encouraging others to take steps to cut back on their use of lights.

Story continues below advertisement

“It’s always good to be a little bit more mindful when you’re using lights and take a moment to turn them off when you don’t need them,” U of C student Avmeet Kaur said.

Read more:

How to watch the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower this Earth Day

Langill says people should be asking themselves several questions each night.

“Does the light need to shine across the whole yard or can I arrange it so that the light shines on the path so I can see where I’m walking?

“Does that light need to be on all night long? Can you put it on a motion sensor?”

Langill and his students say they’re looking forward to the advantages that darker skies would bring when they turn their telescopes skyward.

“I really like looking at constellations,” U of C student Haruka Yoshino said. “And I like to recognize what the shapes mean.”


Click to play video: 'Eastern Ontario features some of the best locations for dark sky viewing'







Eastern Ontario features some of the best locations for dark sky viewing


Eastern Ontario features some of the best locations for dark sky viewing – Aug 2, 2019

© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Posted on

Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, April 17-23

Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, April 17-23

A radio star talks storytelling, Dave Chappelle’s at The Viv, and West Valley City celebrates Earth Day.

(Owen Sweeney | Associated Press file photo) Comedian Dave Chappelle, seen here in 2019, will perform Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.

April 18

How to make radio

Jad Abumrad has many talents — podcaster, storyteller, composer of electronic music — and is best known as the creator of WNYC’s acclaimed program “RadioLab,” from which he departed in January after 20 years as co-host. Abumrad will visit Weber State University on Monday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., to talk about how anyone can use technology and the power of story to find their voice. Abumrad will speak at the Austad Auditorium, in the Val A. Browning Center at Weber State, Ogden. Tickets are $5 for Weber students, $12-$15 for everyone else.

April 19

It’s Chappelle’s show, again

Dave Chappelle is considered one of the funniest comedians working, and maybe one of the most polarizing. Take, for example, his famous stand-up set when he hosted “Saturday Night Live” right after the 2016 presidential election: “America’s done it: We’ve actually elected an internet troll as our president. I haven’t seen white people this mad since the O.J. verdict.” Chappelle will perform Tuesday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Tickets are available at vivintarena.com.

April 22

Celebrating Earth Day

Friday, April 22, is Earth Day — a national day devoted to thinking about the environment. A celebration, SpringFest, will feature kids’ activities, food, entertainment, art exhibits and information tables. The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. Admission is free.

Posted on

EARTH DAY: Cleanups, events, festival fill the April calendar

EARTH DAY: Cleanups, events, festival fill the April calendar

EARTH DAY: Cleanups, events, festival fill the April calendar  The Salem News