Dark Skies

In Quiet Freedom, marvelling at the wonders in the sky is part of Amanda's transformation. In this section of the website we will explore more about light pollution and how many of us have no idea what is above us anymore. Nevermind, that so many are glued to staring at ARTificial light sources - from our phones, tablets, laptops, televisions, or doing other tasks while "bathing" in artificial light.

We have been relying on artificial light for so long, even before the electronic age. After all, torch light and candle light are also forms of technology. We have degraded our eyes and genetics. But, they can be repaired over time.

NASA Earth Observatory Lights

Light Pollution Map

Fading Milky Way (NASA)

PBS POV City Dark

Yes, there are a lot of videos above. But, each one sheds a different angle and provides some insight on what is light pollution. The devil is in the details.

Background photo credit: NASA

Videos

Dark Sky Awareness playlist (Youtube)

High Pressure Sodium Lamps (Youtube)

Perspectives

Night Vision

In Quiet Freedom, Amanda learns about how the night vision of some aborigines was / is far better than many would believe possible. Here is an excerpt from page 152 of a book titled Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (1939). It is a seminal work on why our teeth decay, and why our teeth and jaws (And head shape by definition) don't develop properly. Really, why the fields of orthodontics and dentistry exist. (This will be covered more in Optimal Teeth section)

"The marvelous vision of these primitive people is illustrated by the fact that they can see many stars that our race cannot see. In this connection it is authoritatively recorded regarding the Maori of New Zealand that they can see the satellites of Jupiter which are only visible to the white man's eye with the aid of telescopes. These people prove that they can see the satellites by telling the man at the telescope when the eclipse of one of the stars occurs. It is is said of these primitive Aborigines of Australia that they can see animals moving at a distance of a mile which ordinary white people can not see at all."

Boy who can see in the dark (Youtube) - full CCTV video clip of boy who can see in the dark. Full clip is 8 minutes. (This version has the program duplicated without audio for the 2nd 8 minutes) Other versions on Youtube have it cut short to just a few minutes. One of those versions has been viewed 7 million times.*

Who wants superior night vision without using fancy gadgets? Just like my eyesight, my night vision has been improving as well. Let's see how good it gets! Will my eyes be a different color by then? BE the Light! ...and fear of the dark, and everything else will fade away... - WC Peace

Taylor Light Pollution mini-doc -- Our Vanishing Night -- Country Channel: Night Skies

City Light to Dark Skies -- Light Pollution - Infographic - B & W animation

*If you search the internet for articles about this story you might find this article - No, a Chinese boy doesn't have glow-in-the-dark cat eyes - or this one - Does China's Cat-Eyed Boy Really Have Night Vision?. Many flimsy arguments and superficial comments. What would those mysterious posters say about the videos in the Extraordinary Abilities section? ...well, better to just (largely) ignore these commenters.