Community Info :: The Village of Barrington Hills

“Two things inspire me to awe—the starry heavens above and the
moral universe within.”
--Albert Einstein

“The participation of IYA2009 is a way of reacquainting the residents with the beauty of the dark sky over the Village of Barrington Hills.”
--Board of Trustees
Barrington Hills

This Page requires scrolling to completely capture the events and activities. Please read about the local activities. For comprehensive National Geographic information on the year 2009 and the night sky go to http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/11/light-pollution/klinkenborg-text. January through March details were moved to the News Archives Page for 2009. Added photos, images and articles will be moved to this page as they arrive. Thank you.

Barrington Area Library and Barrington Hills

International Year of Astronomy Star Party: Galilean Nights

Be a part of the largest international astronomy event and view the sky as Galileo would have 400 years ago. Bring your telescope and enjoy the camaraderie or take a look through telescopes provided by local members of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers. View through a telescope and see the first quarter Moon, Andromeda Galaxy, double stars, satellites, and all the evening sky has to offer. Sponsored by the Barrington Area Library and the Village of Barrington Hills. Rear Library Parking Lot. Click here to see the PDF Event Flyer; share with friends and family. Location: Barrington Area Library on Route 14, Northwest Highway in Barrington, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Algonquin Library - Barrington Hills IYA 2009 Display - all October 2009

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is on display at the Algonquin Area Public Library throughout October. Information about IYA2009 including books, an astronomical calendar, an IYA galileoscope and pictures of light pollution are included in the display. Click on the Algonquin Library Promotional PDF for details.

Barrington Hills Uses IYA2009

To Inform and Educate Local Residents

The Village of Barrington Hills, Illinois, USA, has been a year-long participant in IYA2009 activities, such as “100 Hours of Astronomy” and GLOBE at Night. This town in the Chicago suburbs represents a superb model of how a small community can take advantage of major IYA themes such as dark-skies awareness. The following YouTube clip shows city manager Robert Kosin being interviewed on a local cable TV news program about the value of dark skies, and the village’s plans for the upcoming weekend of Galilean Nights.

IYA2009 - Barrington Hills - Perseid Meteor Shower

Summer's Perseid meteor shower promises to put on a dazzling show when it peaks over the next few days.

Astronomical information received by the Village of Barrington Hills pronounces that this year’s Perseid meteor shower will enable viewers to see, unaided, 100 meteorites per minute in the skies overhead. If counts greater than 100 occur, persons are advised to contact Village Hall with their results.

Perseid Meteor Shower 2009: Cosmic Show Tonight

Shooting Stars Created Tonight by Comet Debris Burning Up in Atmosphere

By RACHEL COURTLAND
ABC News
Aug. 11, 2009

Sky watchers could catch a dazzling treat on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Meteors are bits of dust or rock that collide with Earth's atmosphere and heat up gas particles to produce a glowing trail. A handful of meteors can be seen each hour on any clear night, but during a meteor shower dozens may be visible.

The Perseid shower occurs each year when the Earth passes through a stream of debris shed by the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun once every 130 years or so and last passed through the inner solar system in 1992.

A Perseid meteor streaked across the sky early August 12, 2008 near Rogers Spring in the Lake Mead.
.......................................
The Perseid shower is expected to reach its peak at 1:30 p.m. on August 12, but dozens of meteors per hour should be visible on the nights preceding and following the peak. The best time to catch the shower may be around 4:00 a.m. on August 12, when meteor numbers may get a slight boost as the Earth passes by an additional stream of debris left by the comet in 1610.

Related

On a clear night, an average of 60 meteors can be seen per hour close to the Perseids' peak. This year, the number may be lower because the moon, which is approaching its last quarter, will rise at about the same time as the shower is expected to begin.

Perseus Rising

Moonshine could obscure the fainter meteors, cutting the total number of meteors that might be seen in half, says Tony Cook of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. "That actually might bother meteor experts more than it does people who want to enjoy the shower, because the ones you want to see are the really bright ones anyway," Cook says.

The Perseid meteor shower gets its name because the meteor trails all lead back to a point in the northern constellation Perseus.

Every evening this week, the shower should start around 11:00 p.m. local time as the Perseus constellation rises, and the number of visible meteors should increase as the evening progresses to peak before dawn.

Deer Park Shopping Mall August 1-16 IYA Activities

The Deer Park Shopping Mall on Rand Road near Lake Cook Road is sponsoring IYA activities.

The Barrington Area Library brought an Astronomy book to the Village earlier in the summer: "There was Once a Sky full of Stars." It is beautifully illustrated and is fun for young children and parents to read together. Local book stores and the library have the book. A signed copy was given to the library in Barrington.

Barrington Hills Administrator Participates

in AMA's Dark Sky Resolution

The American Medical Association, AMA, held its Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates in Chicago June 13 through 17, 2009. The House of Delegates is the policy making group responsible for hearing all related health topics, concerns and resolutions, voting on them and setting them into law.

One such resolution of interest was the subject: "Advocating and Support for Light Pollution Control Efforts and Glare Reduction for Both Public Safety and Energy Savings." This resolution was presented by Dr. Mario Motta, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the group who publishes the New England Journal of Science; he is a cardiologist and amateur astronomer. Dr. Motta owns the largest private telescope observatory in New England.

Bob Kosin and Sarah Kenney worked with Dr. Motta via email in advance of the meeting in Chicago, sharing the Barrington Hills' IYA 2009 Dark Sky Resolution with him. Mr. Kosin and Ms. Kenney were invited to the AMA conference during the testimony regarding the resolution, where Mr. Kosin was spontaneously asked to speak before the Board. With that, Bob Kosin shared the intent of our Village Dark Sky Resolution. The now approved AMA Resolution is available by PDF. Click here.

Administrator Robert Kosin addresses AMA COnvention in Chicago on Barrington Hills Dark Sky Resolution Rationale

Administrator Robert Kosin addressing the AMA June Conference in Chicago
on Barrington Hills' Dark Sky Resolution Intent - Photo courtesy of Sarah Kenney

The resolution passed the AMA process unanimously. This resolution is the first of its kind to declare light pollution a health risk to older drivers, and our Village Administrators were there to help enact it. This was a small part of their overall conference, but nonetheless exciting. Another note, President Obama was the keynote speaker at the conference.

Barrington Hills showing off Telescope

By TONY A. SOLANOtsolano@pioneerlocal.com

Barrington Hills is continuing its participation in the International Year of Astronomy 2009 by displaying a 90-year-old hand crafted Newtonian telescope at Village Hall.

The telescope was built by Frank M. Sylvester around 1920 in River Forest. His grandson, Robert Sylvester, is a village employee and is allowing the village to display the telescope through the end of May.

The telescope features a 12-inch tube and is over six-feet-tall. Sylvester set it up at a stargazing event at village hall earlier this month where residents were able to view Saturn through it.

"It seemed much clearer than any of the other telescopes I had," Sylvester said. He said prior to last month the telescope hadn't been set up since before he was born.

Village Administrator Bob Kosin said he expects the telescope to be used at future star gazing events hosted by the village, but cautioned residents not to limit themselves to only viewing the night sky on designated nights. "The stars are having events daily," he said. "You don't need the government to announce when to look at the sky."

The International Year of Astronomy is a global campaign which was created by the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The celebration coincides with the 400-year anniversary of Galileo Galilei first viewing the moon through a telescope in 1609.

Planning and zoning coordinator Sarah Kenney said the village will hold more star gazing events and astronomy programs throughout the year, but specific dates have not been finalized. For more information visit www.barringtonhills-il.gov/IYA2009/index_IYA.html.

Robert Sylvester set up his grandfather's Newtonian Telescope at the Village Hall - stop by to see it!
- Photo courtesy of Barrington Courier

IYA 2009 News - for Village Hall Events April 3 and 4 - Photos and Thanks!
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Local Astronomers Images

Flame and Horse Head Nebula, Constellation Orion as seen from Barrington Hills

Image_3
NGC 2024 and IC 434
Flame and Horse Head Nebula
Constellation Orion
Barrington Hills, Il
Courtesy of Tom and Edith Auchter

More sky images are available on the Barrington Hills Photo Pages - the IYA 2009 Page.

Tom Auchter of Northwest Suburban Astronomers, Sarah Kenney VBH Planning and Zoning Coordinator and Edith Auchter
of Northwest Suburban Astronomers, setting up the Auchter telescope, April 3
on the Barrington Hills Village grounds - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

IYA 2009 News - for Village Hall Events April 3 and 4 - Weather Predictions
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This weekend’s 100 Hours of Astronomy events at the Village of Barrington Hills are still scheduled.

Sky viewing for the evening of Friday, April 3rd will be relatively clear, but chilly with temperatures in the mid to low 40’s, and while winds will be gusting out of the northwest at 10-15 mph, they will decrease as the night wears on. Saturday evening, April 4th will have the same temperatures as Friday evening, except a new weather system from the west will bring a chance for isolated rain later in the evening.

Friday: 7:20 pm -- Arrival                                           Friday 9:00 pm -- Departure
Temp: 35                                                                   Temp: 44
Wind Chill: 27                                                   Wind Chill: 36
Winds: Northwest 5-10mph                                         Winds: Northwest 10-20mph
Sky Cover: 30-35% (low)                                          Sky Cover: 30-35% (low)
Precip. Potential: 5% (very low)                                  Precip. Potential: 5% (very low)

Saturday: 7:20 pm -- Arrival                                       Saturday: 9:00 pm -- Departure
Temp: 43                                                                   Temp: 40
Wind Chill: 36                                                             Wind Chill: 33
Winds: East 5-10mph                                                 Winds: East 10-15mph
Sky Cover: 60-70% (Moderate-High)                     Sky Cover: 55-65% (Moderate)
Precip Potential: 25% (low)                                        Precip Potential: 33% (Low-Moderate)

Dress accordingly. Plan for the temperature to feel at least 10 degrees colder than predicted. Also be sure to take into account wind chill. For specifics and last minute notices please call (847) 551- 3000 or email skenney@barringtonhills-il.gov.

Cub Scout Requirements Addendum:

" These events are NOT just for scouts! This is a great opportunity for you [Scouting Parents] and your children. Attending one or more of these events may help your scout earn a patch, complete a requirement or an elective, or even earn an Astronomy Belt Loop or Astronomy Pin, depending upon your scout level! Check your books for any requirements these events might satisfy that you choose to attend."

IYA 2009 News - from Earth Hour March 28, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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Barrington Hill's P&Z Coordinator Sarah Kenney

Featured on WGN Radio During Earth Hour!

Barrington Hills' own Planning and Zoning Coordinator, Sarah Kenney, was a featured guest on WGN'S Nick Digilio's radio show during Earth Hour March 28 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Click the following link to hear Sarah discuss Barrington Hills' initiative. She's right after Governor Quinn!

WGN's Nick Digilio: http://www.barringtonhills-il.gov/IYA2009/index_IYA.html

Barrington Hills filed an application to become a Dark Sky designated community. A condition of the application process required our submission to be audited by members of the International Dark Sky Association. One such member is a promoter of astronomy in the City of Chicago. Part of Nick Digilio's radio coverage of Earth Hour included speaking with an active community. They picked Barrington Hills!

Astronomy is an international science. For centuries astronomers have collaborated across difficult boundaries of geography, language, culture and politics. Today, teams of far-flung researchers routinely work together to understand the cosmos using facilities scattered all around the globe, as well as orbiting above it and beyond. Take this concept and then imagine a truly international collaboration with participants from nearly every country on Earth, all with one objective: to expose as many as possible of the world’s 6.8 billion citizens to the universe’s wonders. You have just imagined the International Year of Astronomy.

SHARING THE EXCITEMENT OF SPACE

Space is full of spectacular, mystifying and awesome phenomena – and our very world is a part of it. Cosmic exploration is one of the greatest adventures in the history of humankind. Every culture in the world has marveled at the Sun, Moon and Stars. For as long as humans have walked the Earth, we have looked up at the night sky and wondered about what we saw. The allure of discovery continues to drive astronomy rapidly, delivering new results daily. Astronomy addresses, and answers, some of the biggest philosophical questions: Where did everything come from? How did life arise? When will it end?

All nations, at the vanguard of science, have strong astronomical research communities. And these communities generally feel obliged to share what they learn with the public. With this in mind, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has designated 2009 to be the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), with the theme “The universe, yours to discover,” which aims to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day and night-time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery.

A TRULY GLOBAL EVENT

Endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN General Assembly, IYA2009 marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first telescopic observations. It is a global endeavor with an emphasis on education, public engagement and youth involvement. Events are being organized locally, nationally, regionally and internationally and will take place all year. To help coordinate this huge global program and to provide an important resource for the participating countries, the IAU has established a central Secretariat and an IYA2009 website www.astronomy2009.org as the principal IYA2009 resource for public, professionals and media alike.

IYA2009 NEEDS YOU!

What exactly will be happening throughout 2009? Although most activities will take place locally and nationally, 11 Cornerstone Projects form the year’s backbone. These global programs – summarized below – are based on specific themes that cover the IYA2009’s main bases. But there’s much more to IYA2009 than the Cornerstones…scroll down below to check out what’s happening locally!

Galileo's Discoveries, 400 Years Later, Still Open Eyes

Astronomer's Telescope, on View Outside Italy for the First Time, Helped Expand Perceptions of the Universe
By ROBERT LEE HOTZ Tech - SCIENCE WALL STREET JOURNAL APRIL 9, 2009

PHILADELPHIA -- In the hands of Galileo, the telescope now on display at the Franklin Institute here was an instrument of revolution. Stained with use like a worn pick handle, this tool moved the planets, overturned empires of faith and forever altered our sense of place in the cosmos.

Four centuries after the Italian astronomer first turned his spyglass skyward, astronomy is honoring its origins in this deceptively simple instrument, with an International Year of Astronomy celebrated in 137 countries.

Through his arrangement of lenses -- the optical tube still bears assembly notes in his cursive scrawl -- Galileo melded technology to his sense of sight, beginning a process that progressively expanded our perceptions of the universe in ways that continue to challenge us intellectually and spiritually. "The universe got bigger and bigger until it is beyond our comprehension," says Marcia Bartusiak, author of a new history of modern cosmology called "The Day We Found the Universe."

In the hands of Galileo, the telescope now on display at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia overturned empires of faith, and forever altered our sense of place in the cosmos.

While curators prepared the vintage telescope for its journey to Philadelphia -- the first time it has ever been shown outside Italy -- NASA last month successfully launched its $591 million Kepler orbital observatory to search for habitable planets around other stars. Next month, the European Space Agency plans to launch its $2 billion Herschel and Planck orbital observatories, which will probe our universe in spectral ranges beyond the capacity of the naked eye, seeking celestial echoes from the beginning of time and space.

"All of the astronomical research we are doing today -- observing quasars at great distances, discovering black holes at the center of super-massive galaxies, finding planets orbiting other stars, being able to catalogue the number of stars in the sky -- all of these are descendants of Galileo's work," says Derrick Pitts, the Franklin Institute's chief astronomer.

As a priceless artifact, the telescope is the centerpiece of an exhibit of 100 scientific instruments of the Italian Renaissance drawn from the collection of Istituto e Museo della Storia di Scienza in Florence and funded by Italian watchmaker Officine Panerai. Measurement, as the Franklin exhibition emphasizes, is the essence of science. Displays of lavishly decorated spiral thermometers, brass astrolabes, elaborate armillary spheres and theodolites -- even Michelangelo's compass kit -- testify to the era's appetite for precise technical information.

Inspired by the anniversary of Galileo's discoveries, astronomers are working to make a million inexpensive but high-quality copies of his telescope available world-wide, so that students and others can make for themselves the observations that so changed our world. "We saw this as an opportunity to connect people with the universe," says astronomer Lars Lindberg Christensen at the European Southern Observatory in Munich.

To match Galileo's original innovation, a team of 15 U.S. astronomers and optical engineers labored for two years to design a cheap, high-quality telescope kit. "We took as our challenge to design an inexpensive telescope that could see the rings of Saturn" -- one of Galileo's first and most perplexing observations -- says astronomer Stephen Pompea at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson, Ariz., who led the design group.

Their "Galileoscope" features optics sharp enough to work well even under the glare of urban streetlights; yet is easy for anyone to quickly assemble and use. They crafted it with a child's eye in mind. "We want children to actually experience Galileo's observations," says Kaz Sekiguchi at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in Tokyo. "They can have their own feelings for the universe. They can appreciate the beauty of the sky."

To be sure, Galileo did not invent the telescope. It was a toy in the Venice of his day.

No one can determine who actually deserves the credit. This much is certain, records Harvard University science historian Owen Gingerich: When a Dutch spectacle maker named Hans Lipperhey tried to patent his version of a viewing tube in 1608, the authorities of the States General of Holland rejected the claim because the device was already so well-known. Galileo, however, transformed it into a precision optical instrument that could clearly magnify objects up to 30 times their normal size.

An English mathematician named Thomas Harriot used a "Dutch truncke" -- as a telescope was then called -- to map the moon's craters nearly four months before Galileo made his own first lunar observations public, Oxford University historian Allan Chapman reported earlier this year in the Royal Astronomical Society's journal Astronomy & Geophysics.

Unlike Galileo, however, Mr. Harriot saw no need to publish his drawings and they had no influence on the progress of science. More than a dozen of his pen and ink lunar drawings do survive, and his first moon map -- dated 26 July 1609 -- will be displayed in Florence this summer as part of an exhibition on Galileo. A selection of his other images will be shown in July at London's Science Museum.

A mathematician and experimental physicist, Galileo, however, immediately recognized that what he could see of Venus, Jupiter and the moon through his telescope offered crucial evidence that the sun, not Earth, was the center of our solar system. The evidence of his eyes overturned 2,000 years of accepted wisdom about cosmology in which philosophers had conceived the night sky as a system of crystalline spheres.

Moreover, Galileo quickly shared his observations with scientists throughout Europe by openly publishing his data.

"He wrought a change so fundamental for science and for humanity," says Munich astronomer Pedro Russo, who is global coordinator of the International Year of Astronomy. "For the first time, we realized we were not the center of the universe."

But his insistence on contradicting traditional cosmology led to his arrest and trial by the Roman Catholic Church. He was forced to recant his views and imprisoned for life. The Vatican did not formally admit that Galileo was correct until 1992. Now Vatican authorities are planning a statue in his honor.

During his life, Galileo is known to have built at least 100 telescopes, mostly as ornate presentation gifts for his patrons -- the powerful Medici family of Florence. Only one is known to survive with its optics intact -- the humble device now on show at the Franklin Institute.

"We assume it was personally used by Galileo," says Paolo Galluzzi, director of the science museum in Florence, which loaned the telescope for the exhibit. "Only this one was found among his property at his death. We believe that this is one of the major tools of his work."

Next month, astronomers at the Galileoscope project expect to begin distributing their kit world-wide. By offering a small personal window on the universe, they hope the telescope will help students better understand the nature of research.

"Science is fundamentally about establishing truth for yourself," says Dr. Pompea in Arizona. "People can make observations, take data and establish for themselves the nature of the universe. They don't have to take it from someone else or read it in a book."

Order a Gallileoscope for as little as $20

Galileo's Discoveries 400 Years

Later Still Opens Eyes

BARRINGTON HILLS OBSERVING EVENTS, 2009

*Events are free of charge and will be held at the Barrington Hills Village Hall, 112 Algonquin Road (Rte. 59 & IL 62). Times are upon sunset around 7:20 pm and weather dependent. For specifics and/or cancellation notices please call 847.551.3000.

Artificial light effects observing; please use parking lights when entering site. Flashlights should have a red filter. Filters are provided at the event.

100 Hours of Astronomy: 400 Years in the Making. On April 2 - 5, a 100-hour, round-the-clock, round-the-globe outreach marathon will include live webcasts from research observatories, public observing events, and other activities. The goal is to encourage as many people as possible to look through a telescope for the first time.

The Galileoscope: Millions of People Looking at the Sky. Who doesn’t remember the first time they looked at the Moon through a telescope and were amazed by the detail they could see? This program will share that experience by distributing an easy-to-use telescope, roughly matching the capability of Galileo’s that can be distributed by the millions. Ideally, every participant in an IYA2009 event will take home one of these little scopes.

Cosmic Diary: The Life of an Astronomer. What’s it like to be a working astronomer? Professionals will blog in text and images about their lives, families, friends, hobbies and interests, as well as their research and the challenges they face. This will become the basis of a book to be published in 2009.

Portal to the Universe: A One-stop Universe of News. This website will provide a global nexus for online astronomy content, serving as an index and social-networking site for the public, educators, media, decision-makers and scientists. Using the latest technologies, it should be the place to go for up-to-date astronomy information.

She Is an Astronomer: Breaking Down Misconceptions. Promoting gender equity and empowering women is a United Nations Millennium Development Goal. A website will provide information and links about gender-bias issues in astronomy and science in general, and ways to address these problems.

Dark Skies Awareness: Seeing in the Dark. The Milky Way seen from a truly dark site is part of the world’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s more urgent than ever to curb light pollution in places like national parks and areas connected with astronomical observing. Aspects will include star-counting exercises and education about good-lighting techniques.

Astronomy and World Heritage: Universal Treasures. Establishing a link between science and culture, this program will identify important astronomy locations and resources, preserving their memory and saving them from deterioration. It will also help the international community to nominate sites that celebrate achievements in science.

Galileo Teacher Training Program: Teaching the Teachers. IYA2009 provides an opportunity to engage schools in the excitement of astronomical discovery. As a vehicle for improving science teaching, this Cornerstone will host a rich store of astronomy-education content, much of it freely available on the internet.

Universe Awareness: One Place in the Cosmos. This program aims to introduce very young children in underprivileged environments to the scale and beauty of the universe. It will illustrate the multicultural origins of modern astronomy in an effort to broaden children’s minds, awaken their curiosity in science and stimulate global citizenry and tolerance.

From Earth to the Universe: The Beauty of Science. Spectacular astronomical images will be brought to the public in nontraditional venues. Pictures and the science behind them could be displayed in public parks, transit stations, art centers and other locations, so that individuals who might not otherwise encounter astronomy will have doors opened to appreciation and understanding.

Developing Astronomy Globally: Astronomy for All. Boosting training, development and networking in regions that don’t have strong astronomical communities is a priority. This project will reach out professionally, publicly and educationally to ensure that IYA2009 will help such regions benefit from other Cornerstone projects.

• And while it's not an official Cornerstone Project, the amateur-led The World at Night project is another important element for IYA2009.

• Be sure to check out the official movie of IYA2009: Eyes on the Skies produced by the European Space Agency and European Southern Observatory. Link from the Village .gov website to the video for viewing.

Each month IYA will showcase a celestial object. Follow the links below to learn more.

During March 2009, look for Saturn above the eastern horizon after sunset. The brightest star-like object you see in that direction is the planet Saturn. Look at Saturn through the telescope and see what Galileo saw 400 years ago: Saturn has extensions, or as Galileo called them, “handles”. He also described them as possibly very large moons almost touching the planet. His telescope did not have the resolution of later telescopes. These “handles” were later found to be rings made of dust, ice, and rocks.

For information about Saturn: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/.

• March 16-28 - GLOBE at Night www.globe.gov/globeatnight/

2 out of 5 Americans, 1 out of 6 Europeans and 1 out of 10 people worldwide have never seen 90% of the stars in our night sky. With half the world’s population now living in cities, this problem is only getting worse. Yet you can easily be part of a local solution to a global problem. Take back the night! Take a few minutes to monitor your local night sky brightness, place your measurement on-line noting your location, date and time and within a few weeks see a map of light pollution levels worldwide. Be part of the “GLOBE at Night” campaign and make a world of difference! GLOBE at Night is an official International Year of Astronomy Dark Skies Awareness cornerstone project. To learn more about other IYA2009 Dark Skies Awareness cornerstone projects and the effects of light pollution, visit www.darkskiesawareness.org.

• March 18 (or a date March 8 - 28) - Saturn Observing Campaign (soc.jpl.nasa.gov)

• March 28 (Saturday) - Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 p.m. local time (www.EarthHour.org)

Earth Hour will be held on the final evening of star counting for GLOBE at Night. Turn off the lights for that hour so the night sky can be observed.

Barrington Hills Celebrates IYA2009

• VBH PROCLAMATION IYA 2009 - December 15, 2008, The Village of Barrington Hills formally proclaimed the Village is committed to the Dark Sky Concept and its importance in maintaining the rural character of the Village.

• VBH PRESS RELEASE IYA 2009 - December 16, 2008, The Village issued a general press release announcing the Dark Sky Proclamation.

• LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR COMMENDATION - December 23, 2008, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn sent a Commendation Letter to the Village for the Dark Sky Proclamation.

The sky in 2009 is much like the sky 400 years ago when Galileo made his first observations. Stay tuned for how you as Residents can ensure our Village continues to be worthy of the accolades.

Celebrate Earth Hour with the World

Turn Off Your Lights - See the Sky!

March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations. VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour, Saturday, March 28, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Moon Gardens for Luminous Landscapes

For some people, gardening is a diurnal affair: watch them as they toil, sweat, plan, and plant with peppy bright colors resplendent in the sun. Yet for romantic souls, twilight stirs enchantment and a pure quiet beauty which only awakens with the fall of night. For the nocturnal gardener, a moon garden is a phosphorescent paradise, filled with shimmering silver foliage, the subtle glow of white blossoms, and the sultry, intoxicating fragrance of night-blooming jasmines, stocks, and fantastic twining moonflowers. Before the celestial magic begins, however, there are some earthbound considerations.

For starters, you probably don't want to transform your entire landscape into a moon garden, although there are noteworthy precedents, such as Vita Sackville-West's famous white gardens at Sissinghurst Castle in Britain. Chances are you'll prefer something smaller — perhaps just a border (or planter box!) beneath an open window. Many of the finest moon garden plants are both night-blooming and fragrant, so you'll want to keep both plants and aroma near at hand, where you can easily observe them opening. Why not even design your garden as an accompaniment to a patio or outdoor seating area?

With smaller specialty gardens, it often helps to create a single focal point. Consider using an old-fashioned gazing ball to reflect both the moonlight and moonlit blossoms. There are also newfangled solar powered gazing balls, walkway luminaries, and hose guides, among other accessories, which can add a soft glow to your garden.

How about a lunar pool? Your centerpiece could be a small pond bordered with wooly thyme, lamb's ears, aromatic santolina, and the fragrant creamy white flowers of petunias, along with white impatiens and vinca, and pure white salvia. The water itself, mirroring the night sky, might also host a fragrant, night-blooming water lily, such as Nymphaea 'Trudy Slocum.' And as sound becomes more audible in the relative quiet of night, you might enhance your sensory water flute or some similar dripping, bubbling, or gurgling feature.

DARK SKIES NEWS AND ARTICLES

Barrington Hills Example helps Norridge Illinois

Student obtain Dark Sky Proclamation!

"Very cool! Sarah" [Kenney] .....from Trustee Steve Knoop on her recent efforts to help a Norridge High School student get a Dark Sky Proclamation passed in her home Village.

" Congratulations and thank you for your continued success and promotions for dark-sky and astronomy.

Thank you also for your assistance to Deema, the high school senior who contacted you recently because she wanted to help her community of Norridge recognize the value of dark sky issues like the Village of Barrington Hills. The Proclamation from the Village of Barrington Hills that you forwarded to her and along with other information and ideas you shared with Deema was a tremendous help and within a matter of only weeks made a difference! Deema said in her email: 'There was a board meeting this past Wednesday, and they adopted my Dark Sky Proclamation, I was beyond thrilled, and could not wait to tell you.'

You and The Village of Barrington Hills are true leaders and building a very important momentum here in Illinois. Thanks for everything Sarah!"

Ridgewood Senior informs Board on light pollution Comments

April 28, 2009

By JENNA HASKITT jhaskitt@pioneerlocal.com
Ridgewood High School senior and Norridge resident Demma Hawari gave a presentation Wednesday at Norridge's village meeting to discuss a possible dark sky proclamation.

As part of her final astronomy project, Hawari researched light pollution and suggested the village adopt the proclamation and use less lights to cut down on pollution. Demma Hawari gives a presentation April 22 to the Norridge village board about the dangers of light pollution. Her goal is to promote dark sky awareness.

RELATED STORIES

Students learn about environment

"Light pollution is basically any excessive light created by humans," Hawari said. "It gives off an annoying and harmful glare, and it's dangerous to the environment as well yourself." Her goal is to have the village join Peoria, Barrington Hills, Homer Glen and Mount Prospect in adopting a dark sky proclamation.

"The reason I chose this project is because light pollution has become a serious problem in society," Hawari said. "Not only does it injure our environment, but it immensely affects our health, hurts our economy and destroys the beating of the night sky."

Light pollution is a problem for many reasons.

"Women living in brighter neighborhoods have a 73 percent chance higher risk of developing breast cancer," Hawari said. "Light pollution contributes to the cancer of the breast, the prostate, the uterus, the colon and the deadly skin cancer melanoma. What happens at night when you go to sleep is melatonin is produced. When any type of artificial glare shinning through, whether it be your neighbors garage, street lights, television, or even your child's nightlight, melatonin ceases to be produced."

The question of crime is often a factor when discussing using less lights.

"Statistics show there is a direct negative correlation between light pollution and crime," Hawari said. "In laymen's terms, it means when there's less light pollution there's less crime." People tend to feel more comfortable when there is more light, but it also allows dangerous people to hide in the glare, Hawari said.

Light pollution disrupts the food chain, she said.

"Insects, birds, amphibians, fish and mammals are affected," Hawari said. "What happens is the insects are dying off because of the light pollution, therefore the level of animals above that section no longer has anything to eat, and then all of their rhythms are thrown off. Trees rhythms are thrown off and trees are dying prematurely."
Hawari presented solutions on ways to cut down on lighting.

Light only what needs lighting, she said, and use motion sensors or full cut-off fixtures.

"The best outdoor lighting is a full cut-off fixture," she said. "This does not allow light to escape above 90 degrees. Full cut-off fixtures are said to use far less energy than mercury vapor, which is what we are currently using in Norridge right now.

Darker skies mean lighter energy bills - and a clear view of stars

Even World War II rationing couldn't keep David R. Toeppen from his heavenly pursuits.

"In high school, I was very interested in astronomy," says Toeppen, who had to fill out forms and make a pilgrimage into Chicago before he was granted permission to buy two 6-inch brass tubes he needed to build his homemade telescope in the suburbs.

Telescopes are plentiful and so much better these days. But the view from Toeppen's backyard in Mount Prospect isn't.

The culprit is light pollution. Bright streetlights, blazing security bulbs, shopping center spotlights, even homeowners' ornamental lights send their beams into the sky, where their glow overwhelms the starlight. Toeppen promotes fixtures that focus the light onto the group instead of up into the sky.

"You don't need to be a physicist," says Toeppen, 82, who retired from a career selling machine tools in Elk Grove Village. "It's just common sense."

Inspired by environmental research and articles, Toeppen became a director of the Illinois chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association, www.darksky.org. He started his lobbying efforts from his front stoop, where he installed an energy-efficient fixture that directs all the light down on his door. Making presentations to the leaders in the village where he and his wife, Rachel, have been active community members for 43 years, Toeppen encouraged Mount Prospect trustees to adopt a progressive lighting ordinance in 2003.

Now, the streetlights around a busy curve near his house point down, not up. The security lights at the local Costco illuminate the parking lot, not the sky.

"The secret to success here is what they call a full-cutoff light," Toeppen says. "When you buy a lamp for your house, what do you put on it? You don't leave a bulb because it would shine in your eyes."

Seeing a beautiful night sky is impressive, but Toeppen knows that alone might not be enough to motivate communities to do the right thing. Research on the detrimental effects nighttime light has on wildlife might not convince folks. Even a study showing an increase in breast cancer in communities with more light pollution might not push people into action.

"You can reduce the wattage. They can save more money because the lights don't have to be so bright," Toeppen says, citing International Dark-Sky Association research that says poor and unnecessary lighting costs our nation $10.4 billion a year. "It isn't just some sort of theoretical thing. It involves good vision and saving money."

The Will County suburb of Homer Glen adopted a much-acclaimed lighting ordinance last year that controls lighting on homes and businesses. Now the tony, residential Barrington Hills, where large homes on five-acre estates sometimes sport expensive lighting displays, is a leader in the movement.

"In our comprehensive plan, we come out and state that we are a dark-sky community," says Barrington Hills Trustee Steve Knoop. The community even celebrates the International Year of Astronomy on its village stickers.

"Traditionally, we're a semi rural, equestrian village so we have geese and horses on our village sticker," says Knoop, noting that 2009 is the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescope discoveries. "We've created quite an international stir as to how proactive we've been so far - A lot of it is education about what lights are doing to our environment, and the sticker goes to promote that."

From a recent astronomy event at village hall (where viewers could see the rings of Saturn on telescopes no different from the one used by Galileo), to his article in the current village newsletter bemoaning the rise of elaborate outdoor lighting displays, Knoop promotes the advantages of dark sky and fewer lights.

"I don't think going green means lighting up your front yard," says Knoop, whose household with four little kids is completely dark at night.

"Little by little, we've been chipping away at this. I look at this as a project for the United States. It might take 50 years," Toeppen says of the push for darker skies. "And it all started with this guy, Galileo."

Plan Commission Developing Position on Outdoor Lighting

Responsible outdoor lighting in the Village benefits everyone as it promotes good health of our environment and citizenry, and preserves the ability to view the stars against a dark night sky and promotes energy conservation. Thus, if the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, character and heritage of dark skies is to be protected, we must take a proactive role. The Planning Commission has actively been researching lighting ordinances from around the country and will be recommending to the ZBA changes in the Village code, which will impact existing and future lighting, to preserve the Village’s valued natural, historic, and scenic resources, all of which combine to provide a unique sense of place and community and protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. The Village’s recently passed Proclamation on this issue has led to other BACOG community and civic organizations applauding our efforts and eager to educate and retard excessive lighting. Watch for the upcoming Village Newsletter and go to the Village News Committee Page. The next meeting of the Planning Commission is posted on the main Village Website.

Plan Commission Reference Material for Village Comprehensive Plan:
"Lighting Choices in a Modern World"

The advantages to living in a semi-rural community are enhanced by our partnership with the natural world. Privacy, the sense of being in the country, and the quiet nature of our neighborhoods as the birds whistle to each other and the wind rushes through the trees are just some of the sensory ways that we appreciate our community. Recent studies have shown that that partnership can be threatened by the over use of inappropriate landscape lighting. Go to the Plan Commission articles on the Committee Page for the full story and prepare to comment on future Comprehensive Plan changes.

Planning Commission: Lumens and Wattage

During recent Planning meetings the discussion centered on Lighting. The most current means to identify the value of the newer lighting is by Lumens which are clearly printed on light packaging. The older method of describing watts is no longer as much help in identifying the amount of lighting needed. A bulb with 1200 Lumens is roughly equivalent to a 75 watt incandescent bulb. A LED or CFL bulb will use many fewer watts to create the same amount of light, so to avoid overpowering the lighting capabilities of lamps and fixtures and help save money while creating adequate lighting please refer to Lumens to get it just right!

Community IYA 2009

Barrington Area Library and Barrington Hills

International Year of Astronomy Star Party: Galilean Nights

Algonquin Library - Barrington Hills IYA 2009 Display - all October 2009

Barrington Hills Uses IYA2009 To Inform and Educate Local Residents

IYA2009 - Barrington Hills - Perseid Meteor Shower