By DIANA MARTINEZ
Los Alamos

Should the issue of Dark Skies and N.M. 502 lighting come before you, I hope you will consider my experience.

I appreciate efforts by the Pajarito Astronomers Club to discuss the Los Alamos County Light Ordinance and Dark Sky protection. I missed their March 4 meeting, and am also not versed on our County’s stance at this point or what can be done now, but I would like to share another point of fact.  

As a resident on Manhattan Loop near the Canyon Road turnoff, our home is adjacent to N.M. 502 and the long row of bright lights that were installed. Besides those street lights markedly dimming the star view from our driveway, and totally stopping our enjoyment of sitting in our backyard and watching the stars, my husband and I have also noticed that the resident owl who had serenaded us at night for most of the last 10 years, move out and away when that lighting was installed. Those lights could be dimmed by at least one half and still be effective in lighting the road, and might also encourage slower, safer driving speeds.

Thank you for your attention.