Escapees March-April 2024

For four mesmerizing minutes, the moon will interpose between the sun and earth, casting a twi light ambiance along the narrow path of totality from Texas to Maine. Parks are fi lling, parties are in the works and even our Escapees RV Club and Xscapers communities are gearing up for a Great North American Eclipse Event. NASA notes that a phe nomenon like this won’t recur in the US until 2044. I f you can’t make it, but remain captivated by celestial wonders, acquaint yourself with Dark Sky Places. Established in 1988 to combat light pollution, the International Dark Sky Association’s (IDSA) mission is crystal clear: to certify and conserve starry sky parks, communities and other locations worldwide. Among the fi ve Dark Sky Place designations, Dark Sky Reserves and Dark Sky Parks are most rele vant to RVers. These are “public or private lands possessing an exceptional quality of starry nights and a protected environment for scienti fi c, natural, educational or cultural value, ensuring public enjoyment,” according to DarkSky.org. The Issue of Light Pollution The advent of electric light revolutionized modern life but negatively altered the nocturnal patterns of wildlife and plants. From songbirds to fi re fl ies to cactus, nature's nightlife requires darkness. So do stargazers, who must usually be 40 miles from an urban center to view the Milky Way. Flagstaff, Arizona, was the world’s fi rstDark Sky City in 2001, emphasizing light pollution control in an urban setting. Flagstaff’s sky glow has been measured as more than 90% less than other towns of similar size. While many national lands offer pristine dark sky opportunities, states are increas ingly recognizing the value of curbing light pollution for conservation and astrotour ism—a boon for all.

PHOTO BY ED ARMSTRONG #74059

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March/April 2024 ESCAPEES Magazine