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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 22, 2020)
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 21 Saving the Dark film was a hit in Sisters, encore showing on tap By Ron Thorkildson Correspondent Finding a parking space in the vicinity of the Sisters Movie House last Wednesday evening, January 15, was a more difficult task than nor- mal for a weeknight. A likely reason for this was, besides the usual number of mid- week moviegoers, others from the Central Oregon region converged in Sisters to view a special movie about how to preserve our dark skies. And it was free of charge. The film is a documentary entitled <Saving the Dark= with a purpose to raise aware- ness of ever-increasing levels of light pollution worldwide that are degrading humanity9s ability to see the stars. The excessive light also creates health problems for humans and wildlife. Currently, about 80 percent of Americans live under light-polluted skies, and the situation is worsening by more than six percent per year in large cities. Even here in Sisters people can see the growing light domes of neigh- boring communities. The movie explained cor- rective measures that can be taken to reduce, or even reverse, the spread of light pollution and create a safer night environment. New research stresses that more light is not necessarily safer. What is most important for safe lighting is deliberately lighting the desired area while limiting glare. Some things that can increase outdoor safety and simultaneously reduce light pollution include using lamps that produce warm-colored light (less than 3,000 kelvins). The more red-orange colored light is not as harsh on the eyes and doesn9t inhibit the production of melatonin (a hormone that helps people and animals sleep) as much as white-blue light. Making sure lights are fully shielded behind opaque barriers that direct light downward and prevent glare from the light bulb and that are installed as low to the ground as pos- sible, minimize light being sent into the sky and into areas that don9t need to be lit. Using motion sensors to sig- nal when someone is present, and keeping the lights off as much as possible increases safety because when the light is on, that indicates someone is present. Any time lights can safely be turned off, wild animals benefit. The film was created and directed by Sriram Murali in collaboration with the International Dark- Sky Association (IDA). Murali had little exposure to observational astronomy growing up because his night sky was aglow with bright lights. Yet it was this fact that inspired him to make the film. The Sisters showing of Saving the Dark was planned and implemented by Sisters High School student Ramsey Schar, co-president of the SHS Astronomy Club, in partnership with the Oregon IDA, Sisters Astronomy Club (SAC), Sisters Movie House, the Sisters Science Club, and local artist Paul Allen Bennett. Schar embraced the oppor- tunity to take on this proj- ect as part of her Astronomy Independent Study class. She is passionate about astronomy and preserving dark skies. Many others from the SHS Astronomy Club and SAC also contributed their time and talents to help make the event a smashing success. As a prologue to the movie, artist, author and songwriter Paul Allen Bennett entertained the audience with a couple of musical numbers, while playing his ukulele, that referred to the joys of being able to observe the starry realm above and how to help keep it dark. After the pro- ceedings, he made his book <Night Skies= available for purchase. Following the hour- long movie, the audience was invited to stay for a question-and-answer ses- sion with a panel of special guests who represented dif- ferent perspectives in the community. The panel con- sisted of Brent Crosswhite, Sisters9 school resource offi- cer of the Deschutes County Sheriff9s Department; Patrick Davenport, community devel- opment director of the City of Sisters; Peyton Griffin, wild- life biologist and member of Sisters Science Club; and Mary Ann Kruse of Oregon IDA. People asked questions regarding what to do about overly bright and <glary= lights on or near private homes. Although Sisters has a Dark Sky Standard and Deschutes County has its own lighting ordinance, compli- ance is usually complaint driven. Talking with neigh- bors and friends about proper outdoor lighting can help people understand the value of our dark skies and the abil- ity to see the stars here. Lack of awareness of the City and County regulations often drive noncompliance. Davenport fielded some tough questions about why Sisters hasn9t been using more fully shielded outdoor lights. Apparently the excessively bright streetlights on Cascade Avenue was the result of a decision made by the Oregon Department of Transportation that overrode the desires of the City. Griffin iter- ated that even minor amounts of light can put stress on many wild organisms in the local eco- GRAPHIC PROVIDED systems. The message here is Illustration shows worst to best examples of outdoor lighting. turn off outdoor lights whenever possible. For those who were Sisters High School begin- Using motion sensors that unable to attend the event ning at 6:30 p.m. Admission dim or turn lights off at differ- last Wednesday, or were is free. The film can also be ent times might help. The use turned away at the door viewed for free on YouTube. of warmer colored lights was because the theater was The IDA website, darksky. encouraged. full, another showing of org, gives more informa- The showing of Saving the the film will take place on tion about dark-sky friendly Dark at Sisters Movie House Wednesday, February 5 at lighting. last Wednesday drew an over- flow crowd. With a seating capacity of 116, others seek- ing entrance had to be turned away. This is a testament to those who worked hard to get the word out via TV, radio and the printed page weeks in advance. It is also an indi- ~ Your Dentist in Sisters Since 1993 ~ cation that more people care We are here to help you smile with confi dence! about preserving our precious dark skies here in Central 541-549-0109 | 304 W. Adams Ave. | Sisters Oregon. Dr. Thomas R. Rheuben General, Cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentistry Got a romantic stor y to shar e? We here at The Nugget want to hear your love story — and share it with our readers... The boy you loved in high school and married years later. The long-distance romance that at long last came together. That special girl who worked at the shop next door. The blind date that was perfect for a happily ever after.... We’ll share these special recollections of love in our Valentine’s Day edition. Submit your love stories to editor@nuggetnews.com. Not a writer? Give us a call at 541-549-9941, and arrange a time to tell your story.
