Fargo resident Patrick Sommer is calling for the restoration of the night sky in Fargo-Moorhead. In a letter addressed to city officials, Sommer laments the fact that electric lighting has turned our world into 24/7 daylight and made it difficult to see stars and constellations.
"Today, the Milky Way is barely visible from nearby Buffalo River State Park, and not at all from inside Fargo," writes Sommer.
Sommer's letter highlights a growing concern among stargazers who feel that light pollution is robbing them of their ability to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. He points out that excess artificial light not only makes it difficult to see stars but also affects wildlife behavior and disrupts human sleep patterns.
"The benefits of reducing light pollution are numerous," says Sommer. "It will improve our quality of life, protect wildlife habitats, reduce energy consumption, and save money."
To combat this issue, he proposes several solutions such as using more efficient lighting fixtures or turning off unnecessary lights during certain hours. He also suggests creating designated dark-sky zones where people can go to experience unobstructed views of the night sky.
Sommer's letter has garnered support from fellow residents who share his concerns about preserving natural beauty in urban areas. The hope is that city officials will take action on these suggestions so future generations can appreciate the magnificence of a starry night sky.
As Sommer puts it: "Let's restore our connection with nature by restoring our view of the heavens."