National Geographic, Flagstaff and Lowell

The November 2008 issue of National Geographic has a very welcome article, Our Vanishing Night, on light pollution and its effects on nature and on humans. In the third paragraph down on page 3 of the web version of the article, the writer, Verlyn Klinkenborg, writes about the mission to limit light pollution and protect the dark skies. He mentions Flagstaff and its pioneering civic efforts to control light and protect the viewing at Lowell Observatory. He also writes about the implementation of even more stringent lighting regulations in Flagstaff and its designation as the first International Dark Sky City.

Be sure to take a look at the beautiful photographs by Jim Richardson and read Glynnis McPhee's interview with him.

We do appreciate National Geographic publishing this story that highlights the ever-growing problem of light pollution and acknowledging the efforts of cities around the world to control that pollution.

Protecting Northern Arizona's Dark Skies

If you want to know about Flagstaff and its designation as the world's first International Dark-Sky City, a good place to start is the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. The FDSC says its mission is to celebrate, promote and protect the glorious dark skies of Flagstaff and northern Arizona.

The FDSC has a great website, giving an overview of Flagstaff's astronomical community, the battle to protect its night sky and the work of the International Dark-Sky Association and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.

You'll also find information about northern Arizona's lighting codes and lighting reference materials by Christian Luginbuhl of the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station.

If your organization is in the greater Flagstaff area and you would like to help educate the public about dark sky issues, FDSC has a traveling exhibit available.

Don't forget to check the calendar of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of Flagstaff's first lighting ordinance. You can help celebrate with events through December 2008.