There’s a lot to see in our night sky, every month has something special. The night can be especially majestic when there are no artificial lights shining into the night sky. These outdoor lights cause light pollution which appears as a strong heavy glow in the night sky. However, when the sky is dark the night is practically filled with beautiful things to behold. Every season has different special qualities, and every year as well. This year the summer should have some beautiful things in store.
June 2008:
In June, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter are predicted to be especially bright this month. Mars and Saturn can be found along the western evening sky. Mars or the small ‘red planet’ will compare nicely with the giant planet Saturn and its many rings. Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system, can be seen early in the evening and can be seen all night long.
July 2008:
July this year will be a very good month, for those who are interested in viewing Jupiter. Jupiter, or the ‘king planet’ will reach its climax this month, it will be at its best and brightest during the entire evening. Mars will follow Saturn along the western horizon in the early evening. Around midnight planets that can be seen with binoculars can be seen, with Neptune and Uranus soon following. A little before dawn Mercury should be visible, as well.
Enjoy this summer and take time to spend time under the night sky. There will be a lot to see, stars, planets and more. Grab a blanket, bring some friends and enjoy the evening!
Starry Night Lights is a company dedicated to fighting light pollution, by providing individuals with night friendly lighting fixtures. One may wonder why this is important or even why a company like Starry Night Lights, would dedicate itself to such a cause. The answer to this question comes from the heart and goals of its president and founder, Anthony Arrigo. Mr. Arrigo has stated that he is “committed to fighting light pollution” and that his desire to fight light pollution comes from his love for the night sky. According to Mr. Arrigo “I have spent countless hours taking in its majesty from more locations than I can count. Each and every night is different and special in its own way”. As a result, both Mr. Arrigo and Starry Night Lights are dedicated to the fight against light pollution and for the restoration of the night sky.
For individuals who are also into star gazing and viewing the other majestic things of the night sky, buy Starry Night Light products and you will be guaranteed night sky friendly, light pollution fighting, lighting fixtures. There are so many reasons to take the appropriate steps to lessen light pollution and one of the greatest gifts you will receive is an evening filled with stars.
Starry Night Lights offers a great deal of selection, in choosing the best lighting fixtures for ones own individual taste.
With regard to indoor lighting, one may enjoy wall scones- which are an excellent way to only light the areas of your home you want lit, they also come in many varieties and in many finishes. Or one may prefer pendant lighting which can give an artistic grace to a room or home, but also allows area specific lighting. Perhaps ceiling mounted lights, are more to ones liking, they are less dramatic then pendant lighting, but can offer a more dispersed form of lighting.
Outdoor lighting is especially important in the fight against light pollution. Thus, this form of lighting is particularly important and needs to be thought through well before the process of lighting outdoor areas actually takes place. Once again there are various options, such as glare-free lighting, which is very affective in giving clarity and visibility. Also, motion sensor lighting is an excellent way to light your outdoor areas because the area is only lit when its needed, and when the detector senses activity. Energy efficient lamps are of course excellent lighting fixtures because they conserve energy, by replacing lamps with energy efficient lamps one can protect the environment and save money.
Compared to many other nations across the globe the US could be described as a late comer, in the search to find new renewable and clean energy sources. This may stem from the fact that many Americans have been sheltered from the harsher realities, which have been plaguing other countries. These harsh realities include; national disasters, famine, drought and so forth. Thus, many Americans have felt safe from such unfortunate events as they have lived their lives in the US. However, the events of recent years have begun to break down this ‘safe’ mentality that a lot of Americans have developed. Katrina and other national disasters proved that the US was just as susceptible to national disasters, as other global nations were. Also in a broader and stronger sense, the recent rise gas prices has had an even stronger impact on Americans, who now realize that their nation is dependent on a resource which is becoming more scare… and much more expensive.
In 1973-74, there was a similar gas crisis and the price of gas nearly quadrupled, forcing the US, Japan and Western Europe to make dramatic changes. During this time, during the presidency of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, steps were made to improve American energy consumption and to implement the use of renewable resources. However, the US took steps backwards during the presidency of Ronald Reagan who brought the US back to a full dependency on nonrenewable energy sources. Unfortunately, the situation remained the same during the presidency of President Bush who has followed the steps of Ronald Reagan. As a result, the US is far behind many other nations of the world in making energy improvements.
On such nation is Japan, which is one of the many nations who has taken some of the appropriate steps in dealing with the growing gas crisis. It has been a leader in creating energy efficient products and in creating alternative sources of energy. By 2006, Japan was producing almost half of the world’s solar power; in addition it has made dramatic steps to make its products more energy effective and efficient. In 2008, Japan was able to produce one ton of steel with 20% less energy than what would be used in the US and 50% less than what would have been used in China.
Also, Japan is on top of other nations with its creation and use of ‘hybrid’ cars. On the whole, Japanese cars are more energy efficient than American cars, this will certainly remain the same, with the development of Japanese hybrids as well. Japan introduced hydrogen hybrids to the market in 2002 and there are already 13 state-owned fueling stations across Japan.
It has become clear that the US needs to take the appropriate steps to improve the current energy crisis. It would be a wise idea for the US and other heavy energy consuming nations to emulate Japan and its wise decision to invest in energy efficient products and alternative energy sources.
Stay ‘tuned’ with Starry Night Lights- make the US more energy efficient. Help cut energy consumption and help find new alternative renewable energy sources!
On Friday the US Senate failed to pass an important bill which would have pushed the nation to make deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. This was a very unfortunate situation because a reduction in these greenhouse gas emissions is very needed in the struggle to combat global warming. The bill was not passed because it did not receive enough votes to become official legislation. This was because the atmosphere was marked more by partisan disagreements, than actual dedication to the environment and the issue of global warming.
The vote was merely a dozen votes short, of the required number of votes to pass the legislation. This may seem discouraging, but the supporters of a more aggressive approach to battle global warming are optimistic saying that ‘the tide may turn in their favor’. In all reality, most of the opposition came from Republicans. In fact, only 7 Republicans signed for passing the bill, compared to 39 Democrats.
However, there are reasons to be hopeful. Those who support the bill are convinced that the bill will pass, once another president takes over. This is because both presidential candidates, Barak Obama and John McCain, have stated that global warming is an issue they will fight to improve once they become president.
According to Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, “We will have a Senate next year that I believe will be much more hospitable to this bill and they’ll like this bill,” she said “and we will have a president, either one, who will be hospitable to this subject and we believe will send down a bill to us and work with us.”
In any case, it is hoped that in November things will be more hopeful. By next year, many supporters hope that they will have the appropriate support base to have the bill passed and to create an energy clean economy and protect our environment from the negative consequence of global warming.
Why is it that city dwellers look up into the night sky and have a hard time seeing the stars? The answer is actually very simple- light pollution. Light pollution can be described as the brightening of the night sky, caused by large amounts of artificial outdoor lighting. In the case of light pollution, artificial light is frequently directed aimlessly into the night sky. Light pollution also includes light intrusion, which is the process by which light enters our homes from sources like a bright street light or such.
Light pollution comes from various sources, all of which involve poor lighting fixtures or unnecessary lighting. These sources include: street lamps and lighting, advertising and display lighting, commercial lighting, lighting for sports events and so forth. In any case, many forms of these various of lighting fixtures are typically bad because they allow light to shine upwards, rather than downwards.
How does light pollution affect us?
Light pollution has many effects on both mankind and wildlife, these effects include:
- unnecessary waste in money and energy
- death of migrating birds, who frequently collide with lighted buildings
- negative effects on bird’s behavior
- disrupt the habitats of plants which are dependent on light in their natural cycles
- death of insects who are drawn to the light
- choose outdoor lighting fixtures that shine downwards
- refrain from excessively lighting an area
- use motion sensors, so that lighting is only used when its needed
- buy energy efficient outdoor lighting products
- only light what needs to be lit
As people fight to improve the environment they often speak of finding and using renewable energy sources, lessening pollutants and so forth. However there is a very significant step that we can all take to reduce global warming. It is a step that is both easy and very accessible… planting trees!
Deforestation results in about 25% of carbon emissions, globally. This has been accelerated by the destruction of precious rainforests. Rainforests serve as a ‘cooling band’ along the Earth’s equator, making them play a significant role in climate change. As a result their destruction has had a significant influence on growing global warming. In reality, the effect that deforestation has on carbon emissions actually outweighs the damage caused by factories, cars and so forth.
According the Oxford based Global Canopy Programme, the destruction of rainforests and trees, is only second to the energy sector as a source for carbon emissions. According to the statistics of the Global Canopy Programme:
- Deforestation results in 25% of carbon emissions
- Transportation and Industry result in 14% each, of carbon emissions
- Aviation accounts for 3% of the total carbon emissions
“Tropical forests are the elephant in the living room of climate change,” said Andrew Mitchell, the head of the GCP. As a result the influence that trees have on the health of our environment cannot be overlooked.
Using trees to fight against carbon emissions and global warming, does not require any sort of new technology. It merely requires the will and ability needed to slow the destruction of precious rainforests and to instead encourage the planting of new trees and forests. Governments and individuals need to take the initiative and plant trees in order to protect our environment and ourselves.
Planting trees is not the only way to protect our environment, but it is very significant, effective and relatively easy. Join with Starry Night Lights to protect the environment by saving energy and protecting the night sky. Become a tree hugger- save Mother Nature!
The issues of global warming and climate change have affected us on many levels, even politically. It has become important for our world leaders to show us how they plan on dealing with the many issues that plague our environment. Our world leaders took the first big stance against global warming with the Kyoto Protocol. This protocol has served as an exemplary example of a failing system for dealing with global warming, but it has also served as an ideal form of a global response to this international dilemma.
As the future presidential election continues, all the future candidates have made it clear that they will take measures to ‘improve the environment’. But environmentalists have asked, what are these measures? Are they going to produce the same results that the Kyoto Protocol has produced?
The US has been one of the most difficult nations to find and implement new energy sources. This is because Americans are extremely attached to both their cars and the currently available energy sources. This fact became extremely evident, with the US response to the Kyoto Protocol.
Kyoto Protocol took place after a United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This summit was called in order to stabilize greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The agreement made during this summit, was ratified by more than 186 countries though in all reality it did little to actually solve greenhouse gas emissions. This treaty was followed by the Kyoto Protocol, which has not been ratified by any nation that is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, including the US. In addition, the targets of the protocol have been greatly weakened by following negotiations, thus is could take up to ten years for the protocol to actually make effective climate changes.
In any case, it is clear that the US and other major nations need to stand up and come together to find an international solution to this problem. We as Americans and people of this Earth need to seriously consider the problem of global warming during the up coming election. Join Starry Night Lights and take part in the fight against global warming.
International scares about climate change have risen to dramatic heights, this is because of ‘freak’ weather occurrences and severe food shortages, which have been occurring all over the globe. The cyclone in Mynammar, the earthquake in China, the twisters in the midwest, have all been recent occurrences that have been linked by certain experts with climate change. Also, the food shortages which are occurring all over the globe, have been equally threatening, causing many individuals to over buy while others are helplessly in the need.
According to the president of the World Bank, the food shortages could push more than 100 million individuals below the poverty line. The food shortages have made accessible food too expensive for many individuals around the world, weakening global efforts to improve poverty globally.
There are many factors that have affected and brought on the food shortages. These factors are: a high global population, a massive increase in the production of corn-based ethanol in the United States, which has had a very negative impact on more commodities than just corn. Also, the depreciation of the dollar and the increased appreciation of the euro and other currencies, has made commodities which are priced in the dollar much higher. In addition, hoarding by certain countries and individuals has greatly increased food prices and created shortages. However, in spite of all these factors the underlying reason and most significant factor behind these occurrences is the high price of gas and other fossil fuels.
One cannot ignore the way that climate changes have affected food shortages and prices as well. Many areas of the globe have been severly affected by the changing climate. In India and Africa drought and disease have greatly decreased the amount of crops produced making prices soar. This is especially severe with regard to wheat, which has increased as the result of failing crops. It is clear that climate change has made some areas too dry for a successful crop season, while on the other hand it has made other areas more prone to diseases on crops.
In any case, it has become very clear that by ignoring global warming and its effects, like climate change, we are setting ourselves up for all kinds of disasters. One may think that Americans are not going to have to deal with these consequences but that is clearly not the case. In order to best protect ourselves and our world, we must take steps to lessen global warming. Join with Starry Night Lights and fight to improve our world and our environment!
When we hear about global warming and its consequences, we often hear people speaking of: climate changes, the depletion of the ozone, the melting of artic ice and so forth. But what does this really mean? How do climate changes, for example, truly effect us? In many cases, it has been easy for us to ignore global warming and its effects, but things are changing. Even President Bush who is certainly not renown for his environmental consciousness, has been forced to deal with the consequences of global warming.
Recently, the Bush administration has added the polar bear to the threatened species list, finally acknowledging the fact that the melting of artic ice has greatly threatened the survival of polar bears. This decision was praised by environmentalists, though it was opposed by conservatives who felt that the new restrictions on drilling for oil and gas in the artic, which were mostly likely to accompany this decision, were going to have ill effects on the economy of the U.S. Considering the global situation, with regard to access of oil and gas, their fears are not unfounded. Though the more important decision would be to find alternative sources for energy, instead of gas and oil, which would both free the U.S. from a lot of obligations and more importantly, protect the environment.
In addition to this announcement, the Bush administration has also taken steps to lessen the decisions impact on drilling activities in Alaska. This outraged many environmentalists who felt that this would compromise the protection of these precious animals. The Bush administration responded by saying that any activity which is not restricted by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other federal laws involving the bears and oil companies, will also not be restricted in the Endangered Species Act. Though officials have also agreed to list a few new additional restrictions on oil and gas drilling in Alaska.
There have been debates on both sides of the agrument. The envrionmental side, feels that this decision will effect more than just the bears, because of the restrictions it should bring. They feel that many other states will have to change their activities in accordance with the decision, and that this in turn will decrease factors which increase global warming. The other side, on the other hand, has argued that this decision should not have the power to ‘make or abuse global warming policies’.
It is still hard to tell what the true impacts of this decision will be, but it is clear that it has brought an interesting debate, which involves a great deal more than just the bears.
* Light pollution is excess or obtrusive light created by humans.
* Light pollution is a broad term that refers to multiple problems, all of which are caused by inefficient, annoying or unnecessary use of artificial light.
* Specific types of light pollution include light trespass, over-illumination, and sky glow.
* Light trespass occurs when unwanted light spills over beyond the boundary of the property on which a light is located to adjacent properties. Light trespass is often caused by high or poorly positioned lights. The result is bright night lighting on an area that would otherwise be dark.
* Over-illumination is the excessive use of light. Specifically within the United States, over-illumination is responsible for approximately two million barrels of oil per day in energy wasted.
* Sky glow is the bright glow that can be seen over many cities and towns in the evening. It is caused by light traveling through and being scattered by particulates in the atmosphere. It is worse in heavily polluted areas and will always exist to some extent when the air quality is poor.
* About two thirds of the population of the world and 99% of people in the continental USA and Western Europe never see a truly dark starry sky from where they live because of light pollution.
* When a massive power outage struck southern California in the 1990s, Los Angeles residents reportedly called 911 to express alarm about strange clouds hovering overhead; they were seeing the Milky Way for the first time!
* Light pollution must be addressed by changing the habits of society, so that lighting is used more efficiently, with less waste and less creation of unwanted or unneeded illumination.
* If we all work together, future generations can regain some of the pleasures of seeing a star filled night sky.
