SKY AND TELESCOPE MOON GLOBE INSTALL
SKY AND TELESCOPE MOON GLOBE FULL

In the Moon’s youth, its interior was still molten, and magma would erupt onto its surface. These gray patches are solidified volcanic lava flows. Looking at the Moon with only your eyes, you see mostly areas of white and gray. The shadows on the surface will be more pronounced, and help distinguish features you might otherwise miss.

SKY AND TELESCOPE MOON GLOBE FULL

You can look at the Moon during any of its illuminated phases, but for better viewing of craters and mountains, try phases other than the full Moon. During its crescent phase in the twilight or dawn, you can also sometimes see the dark portion of the Moon glowing faintly in the sunlight that reflects off Earth, an effect called earthshine. The Moon has no glow of its own, but shines with the reflected light of the Sun. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University For information on upcoming activities, check the Schedule of Events.The near side of the Moon, as seen by the cameras aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. Or simply spend an evening in the campground, leisurely viewing the night sky with a pair of binoculars or even the naked eye. Also during the summer, ranger-led full moon hikes take advantage of the natural lightscape to explore connections between this 'unearthly landscape' and our closest celestial neighbor. The Idaho Falls Astronomical Society hosts these popular events and provides telescopes and sky viewing expertise. Tour the heavens above by taking part in a Star Party, held each spring and fall. The two-fold benefit is a darker night sky and savings in your wallet! Enjoying the Night Sky at Craters of the MoonĪs the only national park unit named for a celestial body, it is fitting that there are many ways to enjoy the night sky at Craters of the Moon. In darker areas, use less light to minimize loss of night vision.įor more information on efficient outdoor lighting, visit the NPS Night Skies webpage.

SKY AND TELESCOPE MOON GLOBE INSTALL

Install motion sensors and timers so that lights are on only when needed.Use outdoor lights only where they are needed.Other principles of night sky friendly lighting include: Fixtures that direct light towards the ground - where it is most needed - protect natural lightscapes and reduce the amount of energy lost upward and to glare. The good news is that unlike many other sources of pollution, light pollution is easily reversible. For instance, a typical unshielded fixture loses half of its light upward in direct waste. But improperly used lighting wastes energy and degrades the night sky.

It brings better visibility to roads and security against crime. NPS Photo / Shawn Biessel Good Lighting vs. Although Craters of the Moon still hosts some of the darkest night skies of any national park unit, light pollution from far-off cities such as Idaho Falls and Twin Falls does impact the monument's night sky. These studies provide baseline data on light pollution and have found that it, like other forms of pollution from cities and developed areas, is encroaching on national parks. To better understand the impact of light pollution on this key resource, Craters of the Moon is one of many parks that have participated in a night sky assessment. Light pollution can also affect the natural cycles of plants. Wildlife depend on the cover of darkness to hunt for food and in turn to hide from predators. The 'natural lightscape' provided by dark night skies is important for plants and animals, as well. National parks offer places for people to connect with the natural world, including the night sky. In recognition of Craters of the Moon outstanding night skies and staff efforts to preserve and enhance them, the Monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017. Once visible from backyards across the country, light pollution obscures the Milky Way from two out of three Americans today. What has changed in recent decades is the ability of most people to actually see the stars that comprise the night sky. For ages, people around the globe have found the heavens a source of inspiration for stories and art. Since humans first looked skyward, the night sky has remained virtually unchanged. NPS Photo / Kensie Stallings An International Dark Sky Park The night sky is one of the most spectacular sights at Craters of the Moon.

Sky and telescope moon globe