Pack your bags and make your reservations, these Dark Skies Communities have taken back the night
Many metro areas have forgotten what the night skies are supposed to look like. Meanwhile, the mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado is taking back the night. The first in Colorado to join International Dark Skies Communities, both Westcliffe and Silver Cliffe, have found a way to get their stars back. Light pollution has become a major issue in recent years. Artificial light is a tremendous help for getting around, seeing streets, or simply knowing a business is open. But, it takes a toll on the natural light we’re intended to see.
The desire to dim the lights was fronted by Jim Bradburn, now President of Dark Sides of the West Mountain Valley. He claims that a majority of our used light is being wasted, shining up into the skies and ultimately being unused, while blocking the beauty above us. He and a team of other passionate individuals began a campaign to start putting covers on street lights and other lights on buildings. This simple solution has made all the difference.
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Photo via International Dark Skies Community[/caption]
“The town’s lights are just as light as any other town.” Bradburn said, “Just nothing goes up into the sky and nothing goes out into the valley.”
If you drive through the town you’ll realize it’s no darker than any other mountain town at night. The lights are simply contained. It’s when you drive only a mile or so out of the town you’ll realize how little light emits from these Dark Skies Communities.
The once quiet and quaint communities are now gaining a bit more recognition for themselves. Business is starting to boom for some local motel and hotel owners. Small businesses are also seeing some positive outcomes as well. Turns out blocking a little light can do a whole lot of good… not to mention the beauty that comes with it all.
Locals gather at the Westcliffe observatory on a nightly basis. With dimmed lights you can see our galaxy right before your eyes. Due to the darkened skies you can even see without a telescope. It’s amazing to see what a little bit of ingenuity and passion for stargazing can do!
