Our Vanishing Night at National Geographic

Thought you might enjoy this post from my Northern Arizona Blog, The Coconino Chronicles:

The November 2008 issue of National Geographic has a very welcome article, Our Vanishing Night, on light pollution and its effects on nature and on humans. In the third paragraph down on page 3 of the web version of the article, the writer, Verlyn Klinkenborg, writes about the mission to limit light pollution and protect the dark skies. He mentions Flagstaff and its pioneering civic efforts to control light and protect the viewing at Lowell Observatory. He also writes about the implementation of even more stringent lighting regulations in Flagstaff and its designation as the first International Dark Sky City.Be sure to take a look at the beautiful photographs by Jim Richardson and read Glynnis McPhee's interview with him.We do appreciate National Geographic publishing this story that highlights the ever-growing problem of light pollution and acknowledging the efforts of cities around the world to control that pollution.

I just found a print copy of the November 2008 issue and it is beautiful.

A Grain of Sand

If even you aren't into geology, you're going to want to look at Dr. Gary Greenberg's "A Grain of Sand Picture Gallery" at geology.com. He's taken microscopic photographs of grains of sand, with amazing results.

These photos are a sample of what are included in his book "A Grain of Sand: Nature's Secret Wonder." His website for the book is here. While you're there take a look at some of his other microscopic subjects. The flowers are awesome.

Dr. Greenberg gives one a different view of some of nature's beauty.

Understanding Science at Berkeley

The beta version of Understanding Science, created by the UC Museum of Paleontology of the University of California at Berkeley, is up and running.

This is going to be a great resource for lifelong learners and teachers. The official launch will be after the first of the year, most certainly to coincide with the beginning of the Year of Science 2009. But, don't wait for January to roll around, go check it out now.

Be sure to subscribe to receive updates.

Impact of Global Warming in Alaska

"While the earth has warmed approximately 1°F in the last 50 years, according to the National Assessment Synthesis Team, Alaska has warmed approximately 4°F during this same time period. In many ways, Alaska is the “Paul Revere of Global Warming”, and serves as a sentinel for the impacts of global warming."

Sounds like something we want to find out more about doesn't it? Lifelong learners should find this article, Impact of Global Warming in Alaska, and its associated content very interesting. As usual Deborah L. Williams has done an excellent job explaining about "early warning" area.