Las Vegas

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Light pollution from Las Vegas, NV as seen from Mesquite Springs Campground in Death Valley, CA. Las Vegas is actually over 150 miles away. The mountains to the left are the Grapevine Mountains. And yes, below them is an RV (not mine!).

This is the minimum of 3 frames of 60 seconds at F/2.8 and ISO 1600. I think I'll tune down the ISO next time.

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RayMondo

10 for pointing it out

Voted 10/10

Indeed, light pollution rarely hits the news, yet it is the bane of urbanisation. Thus, so little of the planets, stars and galaxies we are able to see, that many remain "blind" to the exceptional brilliance of an unpolluted night sky.

I count myself fortunate to have been deep in deserts and deep in Africa. Truly astounding what can be seen under such clear conditions.

Posted Jul 8, 2010 6:52 pm


	Cedar	Re: 10 for pointing it out
	Hasn't voted	Stars in Death Valley look so much brighter too! I was hoping for some of the same on a trip to Great Basin National Park except somehow, that trip ended up being scheduled on a full moon so that killed for that. Probably would've been better up there too since their campground at 10,000 feet!
		Posted Jul 8, 2010 7:57 pm


	RayMondo	Re: 10 for pointing it out
	Voted 10/10	Forgot to mention a couple of other deep-sky night places I been to. The Negev Desert was absolutely astounding and cause me to immediately fall in love with desert landscapes. Also seen some incredible night skies over in the Apennines, Italy. A place call Campo Imperatore (Emperor's Camp), at around 8,000ft. It is possible to see Saturn's rings with the naked eye.
		Posted Jul 9, 2010 6:11 pm


	Cedar	Re: 10 for pointing it out
	Hasn't voted	Saturn without optical aid? You must have very good vision to be able to see that considering that they are 60" x 30" at maximum (I'm estimating you need 1.5+ vision). Of course, I, for one, have horrible vision so there's no chance of me seeing it. :) I also wonder how Alaska would be like. Look on a light pollution map of the US and the only reasonably sized black spot is in Alaska--well, southern Alaska anyways (too many auroras in the north!).
		Posted Jul 9, 2010 8:01 pm


	RayMondo	Re: 10 for pointing it out
	Voted 10/10	The altitude and exceptionally clear skies and that it is an altiplano surrounded by mountains to 10,000ft, sure makes it a great place to observe. There being an actual observatory there. With the naked eye, the rings look like two lobes, though, of course not possible to distinguish the gap between Saturn itself. I might add that my vision is a little less acute these days, on account that I drink more red wine. The good thing is that when I have a minimal imbibe, everything becomes clear. Makes you wonder what the heck I'm drinking (Sydney Cove, Cabernet Sauvignon. Australian. Cheap as chips at $5 a bossle). Hahaha ! Observative Site of Campo Imperatore
		Posted Jul 10, 2010 3:56 pm

ironcondor

Cool photo!

Voted 10/10

Lived outside Las Vegas to the northwest in a little town called Indian Springs in the mid 60's. Brings back memories!

Posted Sep 7, 2010 11:29 pm

junodirtrider

Backyard Ubehebe!!

Voted 10/10

Stayed at this campground overnight in April '96. Sure as heck need to make it a priority to get back there and spend a few more nights under the Milky Way. That's a glorious place, day and night!!

Posted Sep 29, 2010 12:17 am

Viewing: 1-7 of 7