Seeing Stars

A few readers wrote in response to the first page piece in February about how difficult it is to see the stars in our urban, well-lit world.

Bill M. writes, “As a boy and young man, I could see uncountable stars from the lakes of Northern Minnesota. And I've read that sailors coming into New England ports could see Mt. Washington during colonial times. Which means, of course, that one could see the ocean from its summit.”

Ophelia writes from Sweden, “I had been reflecting just the other day how sad it is that Sofia hasn't seen a starry sky yet. [Sofia is 3.] In the summer the sun is up all the time. And now it's been cloudy since November. I remember seeing the stars at night a lot in the winter as a kid and enjoying them.”

Roger writes, “The most stunning star-scape I’ve seen was on the eastern shore of 'the big island' of Hawaii on my honeymoon. It was a new moon night, not a sliver of moon in sight. As we walked along the shore, we suddenly realized that the skies above were on fire. I had never before, and never since, seen anything like it. Our eyes were tuned to deep Pacific night – the Milky Way above like a bright cloud. I had never seen so many stars. We even saw what I believe was single bright satellite making its clockwork way ‘round the globe (no blinking lights, to suggest a plane). Its point of light was insanely teeny but crisp, and its arc was somehow tangibly different (from a plane). The whole night sky was magic.”

Carol writes, “I have seen remarkable night skies occasionally, but I especially remember reading about the experience of the sailors who ply the Great Lakes on freighters. The lakes are infamous for their storms, but the water can also be smooth as glass. When that happens on a cloudless night the stars in the bowl of the night above are reflected perfectly in the mirrored bowl of smooth water below and it feels as if you are in a star ship floating through the cosmos. That would be something to see!”