Before going to bed last night, I decided to step outside briefly, for some fresh air. Night time out here is pleasantly tranquil and blissfully dark. I never realised I’d miss the dark as much as I evidently do. Night time in the city is perpetually swathed in the sodium-D glow of street lights. You never know true darkness in the city. And I never used to appreciate true darkness back when I lived here. Hearteningly though, my night vision is as good as it always was. Perhaps even better.
Actually, being miles from any city for a few days, this is the closest I’ve been to true astronomical twilight in months. And it’s beautiful. It’s just a pity it’s so damn cloudy. I’d love to be able to see some stars while I’m away from all the glare…
The Dark Sky Association… Now there’s a thought.
There are actually two types of sodium streetlamp though. The pinkish orange ones are high pressure sodium bulbs. They use more power and create more glare (as well as more light pollution).
The alternative (which thankfully, are the ones on my home street) are low pressure sodium. They’re much more orange, easier on the eyes, give off less needless light and they actually give better visibility on the road. Go figure.
Sadly, I think they’re a necessary evil — though I agree. I prefer them when they’re not there. :)
I’ve found that I can see a lot better when driving a car when there are no streetlights whatsoever. Those pink lamps are hideous and obscure more than they clarify. I wish they would all be declared illegal. I’m almost motivated enough to join the International Dark Sky Association.