I’ve never heard of star parks, have you? They’re designated areas where the city’s lights are either off or directed downward through a type of shielded fixture that reduces glare, so that it becomes possible to see the starry sky. Doesn’t that sound romantic?
If Audrey Fischer has her way, there will someday be a star park near you no matter where you may be! Her organization, One Star at a Time, is based on the idea that “Starlight belongs to each and every person in the world. A starry night gives people a reason to look up and to realize that others from around the globe share the same sky.”
Audrey’s heart and determination — not to mention her remarkable story — make me want to be better. When asked what she would do if she won the lottery, she answers simply “I would buy the stars back.” I am such a fan of her life.
Visit Audrey here to learn more about saving our skies. Stars by Lissy Elle Laricchia.
P.S. — Did you get to see fireworks last night? They are my favorite! But let’s make a rule that July 4th can only fall on Fridays from here on out. : ) Doesn’t it seem like it should be the weekend today?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
From my porch in Provo, we did not have a view of the fireworks from stadium of fire–but we have some pretty ambitious neighbors, so the show was still amazing! It was weird to have the holiday in the middle of the week, because it felt so much like a Saturday, but on the bright side that’s basically like having two really short weeks in a row!
Love that positive attitude, Victoria!
What a neat project. The best view I’ve had of the stars was during a trip to the Galapagos Islands. The stars are so bright when seen from the middle of the ocean that you feel like you could reach up and touch them.
Speaking of fireworks, did you see what happened in San Diego? All of the fireworks went off at once. The photo is amazing!
Oh my goodness! Hadn’t heard about San Diego. Off to search it…
There’s a spot in Pennsylvania (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/cherrysprings/index.htm) that as one of the darkest skies on the Eastern seaboard of the US. My parents have been there and say its amazing. I can’t wait to take my kiddos when they are a bit bigger!
I love that people track where the sky is darkest. Makes me happy.
It is remarkable to be in a place where you can actually see the stars. It doesn’t happen very often, but when we get a chance to really get away from it all & do some remote camping, the skies are truly breathtaking.
What a neat project.
So true!
Great idea…There is nothing more peaceful than lying down and looking up into the vastness of the sky and all of the stars. Some of my favorite memories is being at the lake and lying out on the dock late and night and just gazing upward!
Oh yes! My best night sky memories are from Lake Powell, lying on a the top of a houseboat. Heavenly.
I agree about the weekday fourth of July- definitely screws up the week! My fav place to see the stars is Joshua tree national park – camping there is incredible and the stars just pop at night. It’s like nothing I have ever seen before- so magical and peaceful.
I’ve driven through many, many times, but never camped. I can imagine it must be stunning at night!
I love love LOVE this idea. There’s nothing so peaceful and inspiring as a sky full of stars. Sadly, I rarely make it up late enough these days to stargaze. :)
No fireworks here this year… too dry.
Lots of firework bans this year. For the best, in my opinion. All these huge western fires are scary!
Night Skies protection is a very big deal in the National Parks right now. Because really, if anywhere, shouldn’t you be able to see an amazing natural light show in a national park? (Google Death Valley Night Skies for a ton of awesome photos, videos, and information.) Night sky pollution is a major problem for our society. And it’s effects are harmful not just to humans, but to the animals around us as well. A quick googling will turn up a ton of information and guides for folks looking to tackle lighting problems in their own communities. (Can you tell this is an issue near and dear to me?)
No fireworks for us unfortunately – the entirety of the Black Hills is under a major fireban, fireworks included. Too much danger of major wildfires. The fourth just wasn’t the same with out them, although we did our best to make the most of it. So glad your family had the chance to be back in the states and enjoy the show.
I’m so glad people are tackling this problem. Thanks for all the info!
The City of Austin restricts street lamps/lights in many neighborhoods to protect the night sky view. We have one street lamp on our street and it happens to be in our yard. :)
The City of Austin restricts street lamps/lights in many neighborhoods to protect the night sky view. We have one street lamp on our street and it happens to be in our yard. :)
The Isle of Sark in the British Isles was just named one of the world’s darkest spots. There are no cars, no cell signals and no light pollution. They even do night sky tours. If I ever get a chance I would love to take my kids there during a metor shower or anytime for that matter!