Yosemite Nature Notes 19: Night Skies

The video explores the beauty and vastness of the night sky, emphasizing the importance of dark skies for astronomical observation. It highlights Yosemite's Glacier Point as an ideal location for stargazing, free from city light pollution. The video showcases various celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Ring Nebula, and discusses efforts to preserve dark skies by reducing light pollution. It also features timelapse photography capturing the night sky's splendor, aiming to inspire appreciation and conservation of this natural wonder.

What is the significance of observing the night sky away from city lights?

• It makes the stars appear smaller.

• It increases the temperature of the surroundings.

• It helps in reducing air pollution.

• It allows for better appreciation of the stars.

Why is Glacier Point considered one of the best places to observe the night sky?

• It is located at sea level.

• It has a high level of air pollution.

• It has dark and steady skies.

• It is close to city lights.

What is a common reaction of people who see the night sky at Glacier Point for the first time?

• They find it too dark to see anything.

• They are amazed by the number of stars visible.

• They are disappointed by the view.

• They prefer the city lights.

What celestial object is described as having more stars than people on Earth?

• The Milky Way

• The Andromeda Galaxy

• The Ring Nebula

• M51 Galaxy

What is the purpose of the dark night sky team in national parks?

• To increase light pollution levels.

• To quantify and preserve the dark night sky experience.

• To encourage urban development.

• To build more street lights.

How can individuals help reduce light pollution?

• By installing more street lights.

• By covering outdoor lights to focus light where needed.

• By keeping lights on all night.

• By using brighter outdoor lights.

What is the effect of the moon during a timelapse shoot in Yosemite?

• It has no effect on the scene.

• It makes the scene darker.

• It causes the stars to disappear.

• It lights up the scene nicely.