CHUBBUCK — A City Council member is preparing to propose a measure that would darken the night sky within city limits so the stars can be seen.
Chubbuck City Councilman Norman Reese is in the process of introducing a “dark sky” ordinance to other members of the City Council. Dark sky ordinances are cost-saving measures aimed at containing city lights and darkening the night sky in a variety of ways.
“We do not intend to impose a mental burden on our citizens with renovations. We are not moving in that direction at all. What we are looking at is implementing this in stages. ” Reese said.
Reese explained that two mechanisms for darkening the sky are implementing shade panels and replacing incandescent lights with LED lighting.
He said this would not only bring aesthetic value to the city and attract more business, but also save money in the long run.
“In other words, you can save money by not lighting up the sky and lighting it where you need it,” Reese said.
Reese said Tucson, Arizona, was able to successfully implement a dark-sky ordinance because of its proximity to the observatory, saving energy costs.
“In downtown Tucson, you can see the Milky Way galaxy,” he said.
Although it’s too early to tell what the cost will be, Reese believes the city will recoup the cost of the switch through savings from more efficient lighting.
“We have great concern for people who have limited fixed income income,” Reese said. “We have to do something to help. Maybe this is the way to go.”
Reese also thinks the community would benefit from being able to see the night sky in the city.
He talked about his experience at Chubbuck 30 years ago. He and several other family members went to Stewart Park in late August when the city lost power. All the children were looking up at the starry sky, and the center of the Milky Way galaxy was visible in the sky.
“What is that?” the children asked.
Reese believes that if children could see the stars, they would become more interested in the science of space.
“[Perhaps]we can free them from the monitors and look more skyward and study things,” he said.
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