Light pollution is the topic of the latest in a series called the 2022 Winter Talk Series by Yakima Valley College and the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy. The series looks at current issues related to the Yakima Valley region’s environment and ecosystems and features guest lecturers who are subject matter experts in a variety of disciplines.

If you're interested it's free to attend the 2022 Winter Talk Series

Admission is free and open to the community.
If you're interested;

Who’s Afraid of the….Light? A Natural History of Darkness

Presenter: Zachary Schierl, YVC Astronomy and Geology Instructor

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 • 7:00pm •

During the talk they'll be discussing the need for darker skies

A news release says "humans have been using light to ward off darkness for thousands of years. In our modern world of cheap electricity and LEDs, light is ubiquitous and true darkness is hard to find. Astronomers have battled the spread of light pollution for over a century, yet emerging research shows that too much artificial light at night does more than just erase the stars. Natural darkness is also important for nocturnal ecosystems and our own health. In this presentation, Schierl will discuss the causes of light pollution, how scientists are measuring its impact on the natural world, and what we can do about it."

The presenter was raised in the first International Dark Sky City

The presenter, Zach Schierl was raised in Flagstaff, Ariz., the world’s first International Dark Sky City. He currently teaches astronomy and geology at Yakima Valley College and previously worked as an education specialist and park ranger for the National Park Service, developing and leading astronomy and dark sky stewardship programs around the west.

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RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

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