I had read that article in the Tribune, too, Kurt. Interesting. And the Park ranger at Arches told me that camping is way down at Arches. He told me that he would love to have us do the night viewing at the Visitor's Center to bring in the Moab residents and Moab hotel guests, but it isn't possible because they can't turn off the solar-powered lights there. The campground would be the darkest place and the place where there would be a ready audience. I agree with Kurt, that if night skies are going to be preserved, the Parks are the most natural place to do so. This summer there were stories about the Parks trying to preserve silence, keeping out the noise of civilization. I think the purpose of our astronomy in the Parks is two-fold. We love the education we bring to the visitors, as well as our chance to view dark skies. And that brings my question to all of you - IF the sky is not pristine in Arches, is it worth our effort to bring a star party there or would we rather have private parties at dark places such as Wolf Creek and leave the public outreach to SPOC and Harmons? And are we content to focus on Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef? Though Guy has a point - vividly told in Guy's own special way. What if we are responsible for Moab becoming light-pollution conscience? I am an old Hippy - I still think our generation can change the world... I doubt that Guy was ever a Hippy, but he gets it. -A