Northern lights and STEVE, (the vertical streak of red light), Beaver Island, Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve, March 23, 10:06pm -10:07pm. Photo: William Markey.
By Kristina Stierholz
When was the last time you looked up at night and gazed at the Milky Way stretching across the northern Michigan sky? For Susan Schankin, a Pleasanton Township property owner, it’s a frequent sight. As a dedicated dark sky advocate, Schankin raises awareness about the importance of dark skies, not just during International Dark Sky Week (April 21-28) but throughout the year. She does this by writing letters and attending local government meetings to share the effects of light pollution and its impact on the night sky.
Schankin will be the featured speaker at the March 21 gathering of the Near and Farr Friends, a nonprofit based in Onekama that offers free educational events and game days to members of the community. Her 10 a.m. presentation will focus on stargazing and the impact of dark skies on health and will take place in the Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St., next to the Blue Slipper Tavern.
As the administrator of the Facebook page Dark Skies Manistee, Schankin posts and re-posts events and information about stargazing and dark skies from a range of sources.
The term “dark sky” refers to an environment free from artificial light pollution, much like “clean air” and “clean water” describe unpolluted natural resources. If you can easily see the Milky Way on a clear night, you’re in a dark sky environment. Advocating for dark skies means finding ways to minimize the impact of artificial lighting at night. Anyone can be a dark sky advocate by adopting some simple lighting strategies and sharing that knowledge with neighbors and others.
Identifying light pollution sources
Light pollution obscures the night sky, making it difficult or even impossible to see stars. Satellite images taken over time reveal the steady creep of artificial light across northern Michigan and the entire country. Since light scatters in the atmosphere, its impact can be seen from miles away. The National Park Service has documented city light pollution visible more than 200 miles away — a phenomenon known as skyglow.
Other forms of light pollution include glare, which consists of excessively bright lights that interfere with vision; light trespass, in which unwanted light crosses property lines and causes disputes; and clutter, which results from excessive or poorly designed lighting that creates confusion and visual chaos. Much of this pollution stems from excessive outdoor residential lighting, advertising signs, streetlights and commercial properties.
Recognizing health/nature impacts
Light pollution disrupts the natural rhythms of plants, animals and humans. Purdue University’s Forestry and Natural Resources Department reports that trees exposed to artificial light struggle in myriad ways. One of these is adapting to seasonal changes, leafing out too early or losing leaves too soon, affecting the wildlife that depend on them.
Many migratory birds rely on the night sky for navigation and become confused when bright light shines close to or in their flyways. To mitigate this, the outdoor lights on some buildings are turned off during peak migration periods. Biologists have learned that artificial lighting alters other animal behaviors, including breeding and foraging patterns.
According to the American Medical Association, prolonged exposure to nighttime light in humans has been linked to sleep disturbances and other health concerns, such as obesity and cancer.
Reducing neighborhood light pollution
While outdoor lighting is sometimes necessary, it can be designed to minimize light pollution. Schankin has successfully applied dark sky principles to local projects, including lobbying for a less intrusive light fixture in a new area park. By advocating for lower-wattage bulbs, warmer lightbulb temperatures and shorter fixtures, she has helped inform the public about unnecessary light exposure in our neighborhoods and communities.
The National Park Service follows a similar approach, starting with a key question: Is the lighting even necessary? For example, does a park that closes at dusk truly need exterior lighting? In some cases, reflective paint can replace artificial lights.
Additional best practices for reducing light pollution call for using light only where needed. By focusing on specific lighting tasks, such as illuminating porch steps, the light can be contained rather than casting unnecessary brightness into the surroundings. Lowering and fully shielding light sources ensure that they direct light downward and prevent spillage into the sky or neighboring properties. Motion sensors and timers guarantee light is used only when necessary, reducing both pollution and energy costs. To minimize glare and help eyes adjust more easily to the dark, use as little light as needed and choose warm-colored lighting instead of blue-tinted light.
Appreciating dark sky beauty
According to Schankin, the first step in valuing dark skies is becoming comfortable in the dark. It takes about 30 minutes for the human eye to fully adjust, so she recommends bringing a chair and giving yourself time to acclimate. Initially, she found true northern Michigan darkness intimidating, but with patience, she said she learned to appreciate the stunning sights revealed by a dark sky — constellations, planets, comets, meteors, and even the aurora borealis.
International Dark Sky Week is a perfect opportunity to experience these wonders. During this time, the Lyrid meteor shower will be visible, and since we’re in a high solar flare cycle, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights. In northern Michigan, these breathtaking celestial displays are still easily visible when you seek a spot away from city lights.
Protecting our dark skies
If you’re interested in preserving dark skies, you can join DarkSky Michigan (https://darkskymichigan.org) to connect with others who support reducing light pollution. Advocating for dark sky-friendly policies at local government meetings can make a difference. Some towns, such as Arcadia, already have light ordinances in place. Making changes in your own home or business by choosing shielded, low-wattage lighting and using motion sensors can also help.
By supporting dark sky conservation, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a truly dark night sky. So, step outside, look up and enjoy the stars.
Near and Farr Friends’ spring schedule of events:
April 3 Game Day – Euchre, at Blue Slipper Tavern
April 11 Aimee Brumleve – an expert dog trainer with advice for owners
April 18 Dr. Brian Allen – types of birds to look for this time of the year
May 2 Game Day – Dominos and Qwirkle, Blue Slipper Tavern
May 9 Internet Scams and how to recognize them
May 16 Josh Shields – what trees, shrubs to plant and care for
Kristina Stierholz, recently retired, lives in Arcadia. She is happy to share all her favorite natural features of the area with anyone who asks.
