We lost power over the entire county for a few days during an ice storm Jan 2002. It too was the first time I had seen so many stars! Of course since it was 15 degrees out, I couldnt stand to stay out long
Last night we were coming home from my sisters house, took the rural roads for the 70 mile trip, finally pulled over when we were about 10 miles from the last town we passed thru. We could see PLENTY of stars but also every town within 20 miles on the horizons. I remarked that Northern Canada would be a GOOD place to see stars this time of year, I dont think there is much escaping light pollution anywhere in the US.

I thought so too, growing up in Houston, TX, but going to school 12 miles south of Des Moines, I've come to realize that there really is almost nothing in Iowa. If I want to see all the stars, all I have to do is go a little bit away from the street lamps, and I can see them all in their glory.

if they would shut down the power once a year, everyone would have backup generators.. ecluding me.. because I'd just put a really big alternator on meh bonne.. and run my house on that :P .


-justin