The sky is above us, always, thankfully, but how often do you look up at night sky where you live? I think it’s fair to say that most of us don’t spend too much time paying attention to what’s going on up there, but what’s strange is that even when you do look, you’re likely not seeing the whole picture.
In the United States, the majority of Americans live near large cities that are filled with light pollution. Light pollution is exactly what it sounds like, it’s excessive light from artificial sources that fills the night sky and blocks our view of the true night sky. Now, by contrast if you live out in the country you are far more likely to see the night sky in great detail. If you live in the Western or South Western United States, with the exception of big cities in California, you will have a very good chance of seeing a night sky full of billions of stars.
Did you know that you can actually see the Milky Way in the night sky? Many Americans have probably never actually seen the Milky Way and some never will. That’s a sad thought considering it’s one of the most amazing views one can see. I didn’t see the Milky Way until I was about 11 years old but I will never forget the view.
Perhaps, I have inspired you to go in search of a place that will allow you to view the night sky in all it’s glory! That’s great, but where should you go? Well, there are quite a few places and most of them are out west but there is one really great location in the east that offers up a great view as well. It helps to be high in altitude to get away from the weather and light to create a great star gazing experience and that’s why the McDonald Observatory in Texas is a great location to go as it sits about 6,700 above sea level and has large telescopes that are open to the public to enhance your view.
For those on the eastern side of the US you can head to Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania. This park will definitely allow you to see the nucleus of the Milky Way Galaxy and probably more stars then you have ever seen before. Really want to be amazed? Then how about “International Dark Sky Park” or Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah. This place offers a phenomenal view of the night sky, in it’s full glory, including a complete view of the Milky Way, airglow, and you may even be able to see overhead passing satellites and meteors with the utmost ease, that is if you can pick them out among the millions of stars filling your view.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there, get inspired, get into science and look towards the night sky. You could even make it part of a fun summer trip!
