Pollution and the Stars

 

During clear, mild nights there is often nothing better than looking up to the stars to relax. The twinkling of the lights in the sky is fascinating, and on a silent night offers a great opportunity for quiet reflection and contemplation.

Everyone is able to appreciate the great mystery of space, and the fact that it is a mystery is part of the appeal. We are continually exploring the ever expanding galaxy, and although many interesting discoveries have been found, we have not even scratched the surface, so infinite is space.

We can often take for granted what is merely something that is always there, above us, guiding us. Of course stars help ship captains navigate their route.

I find it difficult to imagine the size of the universe; I don’t really believe that anyone can contemplate it, or what might be found as technology advances. When you think about the vast darkness of space anything seems as though it is a possibility and this is inspiring. I often think back to my childhood, and when I received my first telescope and looked up to the stars with my Dad while he told me about the different constellations.

However, in cities the nights and stars are often clouded by pollution of some form or another and this distorts our view of the stars. It discourages us from looking up and thinking about our dreams. Perhaps I’m getting a little far-fetched, but I what I aim to do is to highlight the importance of reducing carbon emissions as much as possible.  

We all need to make it possible for future generations to experience the stars.