December OSCAR - Old Ottawa South

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Page 48 The OSCAR - OUR 38 th YEAR DEC 2011
DEC 2011 The OSCAR - OUR 38 Page 49 th YEAR BACKYARD NATURALIST By Linda Burr There’s an often repeated tradition at this time of year – a story about some wise men who followed a star. These days, it’s getting hard to find a place anywhere that’s dark enough to really see the stars. We’re approaching our darkest time of year – winter solstice – and even though the daylight is dwindling, it’s not as dark as it could be. I remember experiencing a truly dark sky for the first time the summer I went to camp. There was no moon that night, as I ventured out of the cabin (probably to go to the outhouse). I was stunned and amazed by the glory of the Milky Way, with so many stars. I’ve never forgotten the impression that night made on me. For a girl from suburban Toronto, it was a revelation. The reason we can’t see the stars the way our parents or grandparents might have done is that there’s so much more artificial light. Just a generation ago, it would have been possible to see the Milky Way from downtown Ottawa. But the city has expanded, bringing more roads and properties that need to be lit at night. Unfortunately, there are few rules that govern the types of lights that may be used, resulting in “light pollution” – that is, excessive or poorly aimed lights that make it increasingly difficult to see the night sky. Most of the time, we’re not really aware of just how much light pollution there is. Many will recall the great blackout of 2003, which occurred the afternoon of August 14. That evening, I sat outdoors in my backyard enjoying the night sky. Since there were no streetlamps or other nearby lighting to interfere, it was a rare occasion to experience darkness from the city. Only at times like this do we realize just how much light pollution there is. Darkness is not only important to astronomers and stargazers (and wise men), but is also vital for many types of wildlife. Nocturnal behaviour is common among many species, including reptiles and amphibians, bats, insects, and mammals. Many birds migrate at night and can collide with tall structures that are lit up, such as office towers. Light pollution can have adverse effects on many animals by influencing the behaviour of the animals themselves, their success in find- The O•S•C•A•R© The Community Voice of Old Ottawa South Embracing the Starry Night ing food or mates, or increasing the likelihood of being killed by something else. Excessive artificial light has also been linked with some human health issues, including disruption of normal sleep patterns. It’s possible to use outdoor lighting in streetlamps, parking lot and commercial lights, and lights on buildings and structures, which are designed to do an effective job of illuminating what they are supposed to, and not shed wasteful light up into the sky. These types of fixtures can also save energy. For many of us, the approaching holiday season is a time to rally against the darkness and put up our lights and decorations. While I enjoy these lights as much as anyone, I also want to embrace the darkness of night at this time of year. Put on a candle or two and turn off the lights once in a while. Go outside and, like the wise men, find and follow a star. Linda Burr lives in Old Ottawa South and is a biologist and avid backyard naturalist. SEction 2 Three Wise Men from the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy, photo by Nina Aldin Thune St. Francis at Greccio by Giotto St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene in 1223 at Greccio, Italy, in an attempt to place the emphasis of Christmas upon the worship of Christ rather than upon secular materialism and gift giving. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_scene)
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December OSCAR - Old Ottawa South

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