Knowledge of our presence as a part of the greater universe can add enormous perspective to our lives. Keeping the Wood River Valley in check and revealing stunning new galaxy images, Dr. Steve Pauley, amateur astronomer and valley cosmos advocate, will present his "Tour of the Universe" slide show at the Community Library in Ketchum on Thursday, April 5, at 6 p.m.
"I gave a similar talk seven or eight years ago at the library, and have given a bunch of talks at Galena for star parties," Pauley said. "I make myself available and give perspective on where we fit in."
Pauley's love for the stars began when he was using a sexton to navigate sailboats. His interest in astronomy grew as he was invited to view images of Uranus and view the heavens through the big scope at The Palomar Observatory in Diego County, Calif.
"I came up here in the late-70s. I was just blown away and it got me interested in preserving the night sky here, which led to the dark sky ordinances for Ketchum and Hailey," Pauley said. "Everyone in the valley really appreciated it and wanted to keep dark skies to see the stars."
Pauley explained that there are not many dark sky communities in the United States and his efforts are continuous.
"You are always fighting the status quo who think that more light is everything. We don't give it much thought," Pauley said. Satellite pictures of the earth reveal that light covers most of the planet and there is a tremendous energy waste as well as light pollution.
Light pollution is any adverse effect of light caused by society such as glare where you have to have shade for your eyes, and it's sky glow from the effect of light shining outward and upward. An example of light glow is the glow from Las Vegas that can be seen almost 100 miles away.
"Energy waste does not go on to the pavement or ground, it goes outward and upward," Pauley said. "People have really supported me. When you drive around Sun Valley and Ketchum, you can see that people turn off their lights."
At his presentation, Pauley plans to use a new software program called Deep Space Explorer, which features 28,000 galaxies and several thousand stars.
"You can fly around the universe and look at the galaxy and solar system," Pauley said. "It's tough to try and find your own sun." Pauley will also talk about cosmology and the big bang theory. In addition, he will show images from findings on Titan, the Mars rovers and some Hubble telescope pictures.
"I'm just an amateur astronomer who does celestial navigating," Pauley said. "Everyone likes to wonder, and I'm for all those who want to keep wondering."
For more information, call 726-3493.
Check-in with the celestial skies at The Community Library.
