Short Wave What We Gain From Dark Night Skies
Apr 4, 2022
Explore the enchanting world of dark night skies and their profound impact on personal and cultural identity. Discover Flagstaff, Arizona, the first dark sky city, where initiatives combat light pollution. Learn how artificial lights disrupt sleep and wildlife, overshadowing our connection to the cosmos. Hear from experts on the mental health benefits of stargazing and the need for access to these awe-inspiring experiences. It's a journey that reconnects us with nature and our shared heritage beneath the stars.
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First Dark Sky Experience
- Chanda Prescod-Weinstein first saw a dark night sky at 14 while viewing Comet Hayakutok.
- Her mother drove them to Joshua Tree, providing binoculars for a clearer view.
Discovering the Milky Way
- Growing up in light-polluted East L.A., Chanda hadn't seen the Milky Way.
- During a camping trip, her dad pointed it out, sparking her curiosity about the cosmos.
Cosmic Questions
- Gazing at the cosmos prompted Chanda to ponder fundamental questions about existence.
- This experience led her to pursue a career in theoretical physics and astronomy.
