Astronomy Tutorial
Can you (still) see the stars?
We have large and bright cities. We have tall skyscrapers, well
lit malls and parking lots, well illuminated streets and freeways.
Downtown, it feels like daylight after sunset. Is this good or bad?
Well, I think it's a matter of preference.
Our cities bring us comfort, convenience... But we live in a
different world compared to the one that our ancestors used to live.
They were telling stories around the fire. We play video games and
IM our friends. They were watching the stars and were listening to
the sounds of nature (the wind running through the forest, the rain
falling on the ground or the waves crashing in a rhythmic way). We
watch TV and our favorite shows. And, yes, we have spatial
telescopes and (still) a space program.
So, if you are a city dweller, the chances are that you're not
enjoying the nature on daily basis, the same way as your ancestors.
It's possible that you can still see a washed up sky with a few
stars. You're probably robbed of the beautiful stargazing experience
which is still possible if you go camping or spend some nights in
rural places.
Even if you live in a city, it's possible that you can still see
bright stars and recognize a few constellations like Ursa Major or
Orion. Can you do that?
Even so, if you go to a place shielded from direct light exposure,
you may see more stars. Can you tell the difference? Further, you
can look at the sky with binoculars and you'll see way more stars...
And I even haven't said that word associated with astronomy (named
telescope).
All this surrounding light that prevents us to see the stars (in the
same way as our ancestors) is named by astronomers "light
pollution". I may come back and talk more about light pollution and
why a lot of energy is wasted for no good reason - but an important
lesson is just to enjoy what we have... Our sun, moon and some
bright planets are still visible almost everywhere. And if we go
camping, we can be prepared, bring binoculars and enjoy the trip to
its full potential.