WEBVTT 00:01.101 --> 00:02.435 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - It can be easy to get wrapped up 00:02.435 --> 00:05.372 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in the hustle and bustle of human existence. 00:05.372 --> 00:07.874 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But there's one thing I can always return to 00:07.874 --> 00:11.044 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to remind me just how small we are here on Earth. 00:11.044 --> 00:15.382 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And that reminder is, without a doubt, the night sky. 00:17.217 --> 00:18.852 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Sadly, here in LA, 00:18.852 --> 00:20.053 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that light pollution gets in the way 00:20.053 --> 00:22.655 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of my stargazing all the time. 00:22.655 --> 00:24.391 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% But what if it didn't have to? 00:24.391 --> 00:27.694 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% What if we could turn the lights down? 00:27.694 --> 00:29.129 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% We can. 00:29.129 --> 00:31.798 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% In fact, there is a movement around the world 00:31.798 --> 00:34.134 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to reclaim our night skies. 00:34.134 --> 00:36.536 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (pensive music) 00:36.536 --> 00:39.406 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (switch clicks) 00:39.406 --> 00:44.010 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The mountains of Colorado are home to stunning sights 00:44.010 --> 00:47.013 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the town of Paonia is no exception. 00:47.013 --> 00:49.883 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - So great to show our little town off like this. 00:51.384 --> 00:53.586 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] Aaron Watson is a climate scientist 00:53.586 --> 00:56.389 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and engineer living here in Paonia. 00:56.389 --> 00:57.624 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - It's our local movie theater. 00:57.624 --> 00:59.092 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% At certain times of the year, 00:59.092 --> 01:00.894 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% if you hit it just right, the full moon rises 01:00.894 --> 01:01.928 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% right over, (moon whirring) 01:01.928 --> 01:03.463 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% which is pretty cool. 01:03.463 --> 01:05.732 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] Like me, he understands what it's like 01:05.732 --> 01:08.501 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to live disconnected from the night sky. 01:08.501 --> 01:10.737 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - I grew up in Rhode Island and if you go there now, 01:10.737 --> 01:12.439 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you can't see the stars anymore there. 01:12.439 --> 01:15.008 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The sky is diluted by the light pollution. 01:15.008 --> 01:18.178 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But here in Paonia, when I finally found this place, 01:18.178 --> 01:21.081 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I was so inspired by the night sky. 01:21.081 --> 01:22.816 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That's when I got my first telescope. 01:22.816 --> 01:24.050 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's when I really started 01:24.050 --> 01:25.785 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% getting into the Dark Sky movement. 01:27.153 --> 01:29.956 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] Aaron is the chair of Dark Sky Colorado, 01:29.956 --> 01:32.492 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% an organization dedicated to the preservation 01:32.492 --> 01:34.961 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of night skies all across the state. 01:34.961 --> 01:37.464 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - About 80% of the people in North America 01:37.464 --> 01:39.699 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% can't see the Milky Way from where they live. 01:39.699 --> 01:41.067 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% There's too much light pollution. 01:41.067 --> 01:42.735 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% They call it sky glow. 01:42.735 --> 01:45.071 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So it's essentially all the lights from the ground 01:45.071 --> 01:47.607 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that people use are shining up into the sky. 01:47.607 --> 01:49.275 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The light goes up into the atmosphere 01:49.275 --> 01:52.112 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and bounces off particles in the atmosphere 01:52.112 --> 01:53.980 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and scatters everywhere you look. 01:53.980 --> 01:56.549 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It essentially creates like a perpetual twilight 01:56.549 --> 01:58.084 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% all night long. 01:58.084 --> 01:59.319 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] While most of the country 01:59.319 --> 02:01.788 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is losing its dark skies due to sky glow, 02:01.788 --> 02:05.925 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% here in Paonia, the skies are only getting darker. 02:05.925 --> 02:08.061 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You see, Paonia is working towards becoming 02:08.061 --> 02:11.064 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% a certified Dark Sky Community. 02:11.064 --> 02:13.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They're taking active measures to protect the night sky 02:13.933 --> 02:15.768 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% by reducing light pollution. 02:15.768 --> 02:17.737 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And the results are, 02:17.737 --> 02:19.873 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% well, they're outta this world. 02:19.873 --> 02:21.074 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (ethereal music) 02:21.074 --> 02:22.976 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - In Paonia, we have that rare view 02:22.976 --> 02:25.378 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% where we can still see right in the alleys, 02:25.378 --> 02:26.679 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in the dark spaces in town, 02:26.679 --> 02:29.082 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that sparkling band of the Milky Way 02:29.082 --> 02:31.151 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that you don't have in so many places 02:31.151 --> 02:33.219 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% throughout the United States and even the world. 02:33.219 --> 02:34.654 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (ethereal music) 02:34.654 --> 02:36.523 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] Imagine stepping out your front door 02:36.523 --> 02:39.125 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and seeing this night sky. 02:39.125 --> 02:42.629 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's like you're standing on the edge of the universe. 02:42.629 --> 02:46.032 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Once you see the night sky full of stars, 02:46.032 --> 02:47.800 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% it's so amazing 02:47.800 --> 02:51.704 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% and it's just the most awe-inspiring and wonderful thing, 02:51.704 --> 02:54.374 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% like that's been such a part of history, 02:54.374 --> 02:56.242 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of being a human, you know? 02:56.242 --> 02:57.544 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And now we've lost that. 02:58.645 --> 03:00.780 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - But light pollution does way more 03:00.780 --> 03:04.150 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% than keep us humans from enjoying the beauty of the stars. 03:04.150 --> 03:05.985 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It affects the day-to-day lives 03:05.985 --> 03:08.021 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of many other species, as well. 03:09.055 --> 03:11.891 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - The ecosystem is actually really impacted 03:11.891 --> 03:13.593 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% by artificial light at night. 03:13.593 --> 03:15.461 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% One example is trees. 03:15.461 --> 03:16.963 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% A lot of tree species, 03:16.963 --> 03:18.998 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% if they're under a streetlight or around artificial light, 03:18.998 --> 03:22.068 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% they'll actually delay their leaf drop in the autumn. 03:22.068 --> 03:23.303 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And so that can have an effect. 03:23.303 --> 03:24.671 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You know, if they're getting ready for winter 03:24.671 --> 03:25.939 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and their leaf drop is delayed, 03:25.939 --> 03:27.473 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that can affect the health of the tree. 03:27.473 --> 03:28.942 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Another one is insects. 03:28.942 --> 03:31.578 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So when you see insects circling around that light at night, 03:31.578 --> 03:33.546 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that's actually not good for the insects. 03:33.546 --> 03:35.215 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% That tires them out 03:35.215 --> 03:36.849 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and it makes them die, essentially. 03:36.849 --> 03:39.085 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And light pollution's one of the major causes 03:39.085 --> 03:41.421 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of the insect apocalypse that they're calling. 03:41.421 --> 03:42.889 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And another one is birds. 03:42.889 --> 03:45.725 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They're devastated by artificial light at night. 03:45.725 --> 03:48.528 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] That's right, birds. 03:48.528 --> 03:51.998 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Each year, millions of birds lose their lives 03:51.998 --> 03:54.701 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% due to the effects of light pollution. 03:54.701 --> 03:58.371 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Here in Colorado, scientists are studying why. 03:58.371 --> 04:00.473 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - I mean, oftentimes people ask what I do. 04:00.473 --> 04:02.175 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I tell them about how I spend the nights 04:02.175 --> 04:05.812 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% outside monitoring how many birds are moving over an area 04:05.812 --> 04:07.647 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and then their first question is, why at night? 04:07.647 --> 04:08.881 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And so they're often surprised 04:08.881 --> 04:10.617 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% when I tell 'em that the vast majority of birds 04:10.617 --> 04:13.253 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% are actually migrating under the cover of darkness. 04:14.320 --> 04:16.189 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] Mikko Jimenez is a PhD student 04:16.189 --> 04:18.424 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% at Colorado State University. 04:18.424 --> 04:21.060 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% He works on a team led by Kyle Horton 04:21.060 --> 04:25.164 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% studying the migrations of birds, bats, and insects. 04:25.164 --> 04:28.001 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - We take this knowledge that birds migrate for granted 04:28.001 --> 04:29.235 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% kind of common knowledge now 04:29.235 --> 04:31.371 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but this wasn't always exactly clear. 04:31.371 --> 04:32.805 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I honestly think it's worth highlighting. 04:32.805 --> 04:36.075 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% People used to think that birds would migrate to the moon 04:36.075 --> 04:38.044 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or that birds would spend the winter 04:38.044 --> 04:40.246 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% like hibernating under mud. 04:40.246 --> 04:42.548 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] While they may not fly to the moon, 04:42.548 --> 04:44.550 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% birds today still have to overcome 04:44.550 --> 04:46.552 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a great obstacle to their migration. 04:46.552 --> 04:49.122 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They're encountering a pretty novel stimulus, 04:49.122 --> 04:51.257 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% really, in their evolutionary history 04:51.257 --> 04:52.759 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and that being light pollution. 04:52.759 --> 04:54.827 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - So light pollution tends to attract birds 04:54.827 --> 04:56.296 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to these brightly lit areas 04:56.296 --> 04:58.564 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% where they then face a whole host of factors. 04:58.564 --> 05:01.367 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They may get stuck in those areas being disoriented. 05:01.367 --> 05:04.103 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They are near novel predators like cats 05:04.103 --> 05:06.272 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or other human-introduced predators. 05:06.272 --> 05:09.008 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It really throws them off where they're migrating. 05:09.008 --> 05:12.211 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They can change the direction that they're migrating. 05:12.211 --> 05:13.646 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We're gonna go set up our tents. 05:13.646 --> 05:15.315 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I don't know if that's something you want to shoot or not. 05:15.315 --> 05:16.816 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Oh, yeah. Okay. 05:16.816 --> 05:19.118 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] With so many birds migrating at night 05:19.118 --> 05:20.820 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% scientists like Mikko and Kyle 05:20.820 --> 05:22.588 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% face a challenge of their own, 05:22.588 --> 05:25.191 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% watching for birds in pitch darkness. 05:26.326 --> 05:29.495 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This is where modern science gets to shine. 05:29.495 --> 05:31.064 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - And one of the more useful tools 05:31.064 --> 05:32.332 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that we've started using 05:32.332 --> 05:34.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a little bit more recently is radar. 05:34.033 --> 05:37.136 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Yeah, so this behind us is a small scale radar 05:37.136 --> 05:39.439 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and this tool is something that allows us 05:39.439 --> 05:43.443 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to really see what's going on up in the atmosphere at night. 05:43.443 --> 05:44.744 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] Okay, I'm gonna need a breakdown 05:44.744 --> 05:46.212 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% of how all this works. 05:46.212 --> 05:47.714 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - So right now it's warming up. 05:47.714 --> 05:49.215 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% This screen here, 05:49.215 --> 05:51.584 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% this interface basically shows us what it's seeing, 05:51.584 --> 05:53.186 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% you know, directly above it. 05:53.186 --> 05:57.590 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It'll be a lot cooler once it's happening. (laughs) 05:59.258 --> 06:00.827 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So we're actually moving now. 06:00.827 --> 06:03.463 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The radar just started sending out signals. 06:03.463 --> 06:04.997 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% So here already, 06:04.997 --> 06:06.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we're starting to see some insects in the atmosphere 06:06.566 --> 06:08.034 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% as well as some songbirds. 06:08.034 --> 06:09.268 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You know, as the night moves through, 06:09.268 --> 06:11.604 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we'll get to see what's passing over the site. 06:12.705 --> 06:14.707 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And for us, that means what birds, 06:14.707 --> 06:18.211 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% how many birds and what direction they're heading. 06:18.211 --> 06:19.679 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] Using a series of radars 06:19.679 --> 06:21.147 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% across different sites, 06:21.147 --> 06:24.450 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the team can track large scale bird migration patterns 06:24.450 --> 06:26.386 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and generate maps that show when 06:26.386 --> 06:28.821 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and where birds will pass overhead. 06:28.821 --> 06:30.523 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - And when we start digging through this data, 06:30.523 --> 06:32.859 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we can see some nights have a few birds moving 06:32.859 --> 06:35.795 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% and some nights have a tremendous number of birds moving. 06:35.795 --> 06:37.563 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And when I mean a tremendous number, 06:37.563 --> 06:39.732 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we're talking about hundreds of millions of birds 06:39.732 --> 06:43.169 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% moving through airspace at continental scales. 06:43.169 --> 06:45.405 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] Wow, that's a lot of birds. 06:45.405 --> 06:47.807 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Yeah, it's a lot of birds. 06:47.807 --> 06:49.442 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] Clearly, preserving the darkness 06:49.442 --> 06:52.578 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of the night skies is tremendously important, 06:52.578 --> 06:54.046 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% not just for us, 06:54.046 --> 06:57.250 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but the ecosystem around us. (pensive music) 06:57.250 --> 07:00.920 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So what can communities do to combat light pollution? 07:00.920 --> 07:02.188 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - So here in Paonia, 07:02.188 --> 07:04.123 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we have a lighting ordinance in place 07:04.123 --> 07:05.425 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that's Dark Sky compliant 07:05.425 --> 07:07.927 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and that asks residents to be responsible 07:07.927 --> 07:10.163 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% with their lighting and follow the Dark Sky principles. 07:10.163 --> 07:11.998 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% The first one is shielding. 07:11.998 --> 07:13.399 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So it's putting a shield on the light 07:13.399 --> 07:14.634 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% so that it's shining down. 07:14.634 --> 07:16.102 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It's not shining up into the sky 07:16.102 --> 07:18.304 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and it's not shining into your neighbor's land. 07:18.304 --> 07:20.273 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The second piece is color temperature. 07:20.273 --> 07:22.241 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So we want a low color temperature. 07:22.241 --> 07:24.544 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We want more warmer, amber colored light 07:24.544 --> 07:25.812 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% not the blue and white light. 07:25.812 --> 07:27.680 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Those are too harsh on the environment. 07:27.680 --> 07:28.614 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And the third one is 07:28.614 --> 07:30.149 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% we want to keep our light dim. 07:30.149 --> 07:33.820 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Only use as much light as we need, and not anymore. 07:33.820 --> 07:36.289 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] These are examples of the kinds of regulations 07:36.289 --> 07:39.325 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that ensure Dark Sky Communities stay that way. 07:40.226 --> 07:42.328 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% As of July 2023, 07:42.328 --> 07:45.798 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% there are 40 certified Dark Sky Communities in the world 07:45.798 --> 07:48.534 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and Colorado hosts five of them, 07:48.534 --> 07:51.237 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% with many more like Paonia making the switch. 07:51.237 --> 07:53.606 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - So here's a great example of Dark Sky friendly lighting. 07:53.606 --> 07:55.408 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Look how it's off. (people laughing) 07:55.408 --> 07:56.609 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So it's not needed. 07:56.609 --> 07:57.810 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's plenty bright here, 07:57.810 --> 07:58.945 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and great, they have 'em turned off. 07:58.945 --> 08:00.379 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% That's wonderful. 08:00.379 --> 08:02.582 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] And it's not just small towns making changes 08:02.582 --> 08:04.116 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to minimize sky glow. 08:04.116 --> 08:05.952 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Cities like Tucson, Arizona 08:05.952 --> 08:08.588 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% have reclaimed their beautiful night skies as well. 08:10.289 --> 08:14.193 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So we know Aaron is a big fan of the Dark Sky movement, 08:14.193 --> 08:16.028 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but what about his neighbors? 08:16.028 --> 08:17.663 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% How do they feel about these changes? 08:17.663 --> 08:19.098 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (man laughing) 08:19.098 --> 08:20.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - I was originally on that committee 08:20.833 --> 08:23.035 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that put together the Dark Skies initiative. 08:23.035 --> 08:25.371 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You know, most people were very much in favor of it. 08:25.371 --> 08:26.806 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We had a few people say, no. 08:26.806 --> 08:28.774 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - The stars are magnificent. 08:28.774 --> 08:30.843 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% You can walk outside any night. 08:30.843 --> 08:32.545 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And right up over head, 08:32.545 --> 08:34.046 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% right up right there, 08:34.046 --> 08:37.116 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you can see the Big Dipper just as clear as can be. 08:37.116 --> 08:38.618 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - You wanna step outside 08:38.618 --> 08:42.188 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and just absorb the infinite galaxy that is around us. 08:42.188 --> 08:44.657 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - You know, there's a lot of parts of the Dark Skies 08:44.657 --> 08:45.992 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that I agreed with. 08:45.992 --> 08:47.193 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And then there were things 08:47.193 --> 08:48.961 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that I very strongly disagreed with. 08:48.961 --> 08:50.463 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% - Being outside, 08:50.463 --> 08:52.899 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and your neighbor has a floodlight on their garage 08:52.899 --> 08:54.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and it's the middle of the night, 08:54.066 --> 08:55.167 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% for no reason. 08:55.167 --> 08:56.469 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Do I think I have a right 08:56.469 --> 08:59.272 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to shine a spotlight on my neighbor's window? 08:59.272 --> 09:02.875 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% No, but I felt like the pendulum swung too far 09:02.875 --> 09:03.809 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% on restrictions. 09:03.809 --> 09:05.478 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It was an overreach. 09:05.478 --> 09:07.079 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - I mean, I lived off the grid 09:07.079 --> 09:09.181 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on the side of a mountain for five years. 09:09.181 --> 09:11.517 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So the more stars, the better, in my opinion. 09:12.618 --> 09:13.953 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - It's clear this ordinance 09:13.953 --> 09:17.356 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% inspires some pretty strong emotions. 09:17.356 --> 09:18.858 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Which brings up a good point. 09:18.858 --> 09:21.494 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% How realistic is it for communities across the country 09:21.494 --> 09:23.996 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to commit to these kind of practices? 09:23.996 --> 09:27.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Does a city like LA need to go fully dark? 09:29.001 --> 09:30.369 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - People think that Dark Sky, 09:30.369 --> 09:31.837 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we're trying to come and take the lights away. 09:31.837 --> 09:33.072 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% We're not. 09:33.072 --> 09:34.674 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We're just asking people to use it responsibly 09:34.674 --> 09:36.442 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and not shine it into the night sky 09:36.442 --> 09:38.077 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% or into their neighbor's yard. 09:38.077 --> 09:40.313 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% You know, we're not really trying to tell people what to do. 09:40.313 --> 09:41.981 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We'd rather educate people 09:41.981 --> 09:44.050 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and have them make the right decision themselves 09:44.050 --> 09:45.585 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% 'cause once they have the education, 09:45.585 --> 09:47.286 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it's really a win-win for everyone. 09:47.286 --> 09:49.355 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You know, you get the light where you need it 09:49.355 --> 09:51.157 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and then you don't have it where you don't. 09:51.157 --> 09:53.326 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's really all we're asking. 09:53.326 --> 09:56.495 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] The path forward involves intentionality. 09:57.530 --> 10:00.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Welcome to the living room. 10:00.166 --> 10:01.968 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Water's hot if you want it. 10:01.968 --> 10:04.737 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] And for ecologists, like Mikko and Kyle, 10:04.737 --> 10:07.740 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the data they collect may hold the key. 10:07.740 --> 10:09.675 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Remember this statistic from earlier? 10:09.675 --> 10:11.877 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - We're talking about hundreds of millions of birds 10:11.877 --> 10:15.114 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% moving through airspace at continental scales. 10:15.114 --> 10:16.082 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Baratunde] When they break down 10:16.082 --> 10:18.250 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that statistic even further... 10:18.250 --> 10:19.185 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - We actually find that 10:19.185 --> 10:21.520 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% it's just 10 nights of migration 10:21.520 --> 10:23.422 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% are gonna account for 50% of migrants 10:23.422 --> 10:25.057 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% moving through an area. 10:25.057 --> 10:28.094 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Baratunde] This migration happens twice a year 10:28.094 --> 10:30.663 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% which is about 20 nights total. 10:30.663 --> 10:32.031 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% That's wild. 10:32.031 --> 10:34.967 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Literally, because scientists can warn the locals 10:34.967 --> 10:36.636 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to make sure they've dim the lights 10:36.636 --> 10:39.005 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% when the birds are most at risk. 10:39.005 --> 10:41.007 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - That kind of statistic really colors the way 10:41.007 --> 10:42.541 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that we approach conservation 10:42.541 --> 10:45.177 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% because we should ideally be trying to help birds 10:45.177 --> 10:47.279 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as they migrate all the time, right? 10:47.279 --> 10:49.015 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% But if we know the nights, 10:49.015 --> 10:51.150 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% when the majority of birds are migrating, 10:51.150 --> 10:52.918 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% then we can make sure that we take action 10:52.918 --> 10:54.754 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on those really big nights of migration. 10:54.754 --> 10:56.022 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - The data we're providing, 10:56.022 --> 10:57.690 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the alerts that we're providing, 10:57.690 --> 10:59.091 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% they're being used by cities. 10:59.091 --> 11:01.427 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We see this in Chicago and New York, 11:01.427 --> 11:04.296 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% parts of Texas and Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth. 11:04.296 --> 11:07.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Light pollution does have a pretty tractable solution. 11:07.933 --> 11:10.870 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's not a trivial solution of turning off lights 11:10.870 --> 11:13.639 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but it's something that if we did it tonight, 11:13.639 --> 11:16.242 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it would have a positive impact immediately. 11:16.242 --> 11:20.146 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And that's not true of most environmental issues. 11:20.146 --> 11:22.181 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That's what excites me about this work. 11:23.182 --> 11:24.450 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - [Baratunde] So don't worry, 11:24.450 --> 11:26.452 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% we don't have to go back to the Stone Age 11:26.452 --> 11:28.521 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to reclaim our night skies 11:28.521 --> 11:31.190 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we don't need to go fully dark either 11:31.190 --> 11:33.159 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to help the ecosystems around us. 11:35.461 --> 11:37.997 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Being a Dark Sky Community 11:37.997 --> 11:40.199 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is about more than just ordinances. 11:40.199 --> 11:42.768 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat folk music) 11:42.768 --> 11:44.837 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It's about getting to know your community. 11:46.338 --> 11:48.507 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - [Aaron] It's really just a few people coming together. 11:48.507 --> 11:49.909 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% That's how we make change. 11:50.910 --> 11:52.144 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Arron. - Arron. Meghan. 11:52.144 --> 11:53.045 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Nice to meet you. - Pleasure to meet ya. 11:53.045 --> 11:54.313 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - This is Chuck. - Chuck? 11:54.313 --> 11:55.281 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Aaron] There's really no reason 11:55.281 --> 11:57.416 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% not to enjoy the night sky. 11:58.651 --> 11:59.885 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It just fills me with wonder 11:59.885 --> 12:02.321 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and awe to see a night sky full of stars. 12:02.321 --> 12:03.823 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And that is something that 12:03.823 --> 12:05.624 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I think everyone in the world 12:05.624 --> 12:07.460 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% should have the opportunity to see. 12:08.494 --> 12:11.564 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Brilliant. (people exclaiming) 12:11.564 --> 12:13.299 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Wow. Yeah. (people faintly talking) 12:13.299 --> 12:14.834 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Wow. (ethereal music) 12:14.834 --> 12:17.269 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Aaron] This makes people happy. 12:17.269 --> 12:20.139 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Like really happy in a really deep way. 12:21.040 --> 12:22.842 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - [Woman] Oh, that is so lovely. 12:24.243 --> 12:26.212 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - Taking back our night sky 12:26.212 --> 12:28.748 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% may require taking some intentional, 12:28.748 --> 12:31.150 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% sometimes cumbersome steps 12:31.150 --> 12:32.318 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% but the reward? 12:33.285 --> 12:34.854 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Is magnificent. 12:34.854 --> 12:37.757 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (ethereal music) 12:39.158 --> 12:40.659 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Thank you for watching 12:40.659 --> 12:43.696 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and for more amazing stories about the great outdoors, 12:43.696 --> 12:46.465 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% checkout season two of America Outdoors, 12:46.465 --> 12:48.901 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with Baratunde Thurston. (bell chimes) 12:48.901 --> 12:50.503 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% We're in the PBS app. 12:50.503 --> 12:52.371 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We're in your PBS local station. 12:52.371 --> 12:55.875 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And find out even more at the link in the description below. 12:55.875 --> 12:58.611 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Thanks. (gentle music)