Are you seeing fewer stars, starry nights, shooting stars, meteor showers, or satellites? In the August 10 issue of the Boston Globe, it was reported that we are coming to the end of our “starry nights’ due to light pollution and the recent failure of the Massachusetts Legislature to pass a bill that would regulate light pollution; the only New England state that has not taken that step.

            What is light pollution? Human made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. This disrupts wildlife migration, human health, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe according to DarkSky International. Too often our outdoor lighting installations are exceedingly bright, left on when not needed, and are harmful to the environment and humans. The ecological effects of artificial light have been well documented. DarkSky estimates that at least 30% of all outdoor lighting in the U.S alone is wasted, mostly by lights that aren’t shielded. That adds up to $3.3 million and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, contributing to global warming.

            It has been shown to affect both flora and fauna. For instance, prolonged exposure to artificial light prevents many trees from adjusting to seasonal variations, according to Winslow Briggs’s chapter on plant responses in the 2006 book Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting. This, in turn, has implications for the wildlife that depend on trees for their natural habitat. Research on insects, turtles, birds, fish, reptiles, and other wildlife species shows that light pollution can alter behaviors, foraging areas, and breeding cycles. In humans, it can disrupt sleep patterns by impacting melatonin secretion, which can increase the risk of health issues like obesity, depression, and high blood pressure. Bright light can also strain the eyes, causing headaches and migraines. Light pollution along with other environmental factors can contribute to cataracts.

             The article in the Boston Globe reminded me of my retirement trip to five National Parks in 2019, two of which provided education regarding our night sky. Rangers led us to places that had very little to no artificial light and the night skies were magnificent with the view of the galaxy. We are losing those views due to light pollution. I had never heard of this issue before that trip.

            What can be done? Light pollution affects every citizen. Fortunately, awareness and concern about light pollution is rising dramatically. A growing number of scientists, homeowners, environmental groups and civic leaders are taking action to restore the natural night sky. The good news is that light pollution is reversible and each one of us can make a difference. Just being aware that light pollution is a problem is not enough. We need to take action.

            The first thing to do is assess your own outdoor home lighting. You may be unknowingly contributing to light pollution and the disruption of wildlife while wasting energy and costing money. Did you know that 20% to 50% of outdoor residential lighting goes directly into the sky and contributes to light pollution due to poor shielding? Lighting should be directed to the ground using shields or fixtures that do not point up to the sky. The illustration below shows which lighting fixtures are best.

            According to the Mattapoisett Town Administrator’s office, we do not have any light pollution regulations in the town. LED lights were installed in town several years ago and are positioned to focus downward or have a shade to focus the light downward if there have been complaints. I am not aware of the Kelvin rating. Drive around town and notice what you see.

            Learn more by exploring DarkSky International’s website. They have a significant amount of information on their site and sponsor events including a 24 hour Zoom event “Under One Sky” beginning 3:00 pm November 8 to November 9. They also maintain a searchable database of lighting products and retailers. I am still learning about the dark sky and have a lot more to learn. I am making the move to change my fixtures and keeping my outdoor lights off at night.

            Submitted by Mattapoisett resident Lynne B. Markinac

Paul Ciaburri is a well-known Rochester resident, not only as a member of the community, but also as a Select Board member. Less well-known is his love for all things maritime, especially those items and subjects related to the use of tugboats during times of conflict – war.

            We received word that something worth sharing with a wider audience was taking place at Ciaburri’s home. When we arrived we were awe struck by what we saw. A massive, 3,000-pound tugboat propeller with a 40-foot towering gleaming white flagpole had been erected.

            Digging a bit deeper, we learned that tugboats, those work horses of industry and commerce, are very near and dear to Ciaburri’s heart. Now retired from Moran Towing, a tugboat company that has been navigating the eastern seaboard assisting in the moving of goods (and military personnel and materials) since 1860, he now had time to pursue a dream of building a memorial to honor tugboat history and all who worked the boats. His deep appreciation for the work carried out by tugboats is now front and center in his own yard.

            As can be imagined, it took a team of friends and various trades to pull off such a mammoth task.

            There were big rigs borrowed for moving the propeller to his property, a welder to permanently fuse the propeller to its shaft, and metal workers to manufacture flagpole parts and assemble them.

            And yet we hadn’t reached the historical core of the story until Ciaburri spoke of his admiration for Edmond J. Moran, long time President of Moran Towing.

            Moran was a Rear Admiral in the Navy and played a pivotal role in troop movement and strategic planning for the D-Day Invasion at Normandy. His obituary in the Chicago Tribune noted that he had served in both world wars and operated the family business for some 69 years.

            The obituary reads, “His most notable contribution in WWII was in supervising a fleet of 160 British, United States, Norwegian, and Dutch tugboats in a strategy that outwitted the Germans who were expecting the Allied invasion to come at an existing port. Instead, the Allies towed railroad car barges across the Atlantic and assembled large concrete docks. The tugboats towed the barges and docks to the enemy-held beaches creating an instant port for the landing of ammunition, weapons, fuel, food, and other supplies. Moran later developed a similar plan for invading Japan.”

            Moran would go on to rescue Allied ships and served as Deputy Director of the War Shipping Administration as well as other senior postings.

            Moran was a highly decorated veteran receiving the U.S. Legion of Merit, the Victory and Navy Commendation Medals, the European Campaign Medal, the French Croix de Guerre with Gold Star, and the Order of the British Empire.

            Ciaburri said quietly and sincerely of Moran, “He was a great man.”

             We think that in spite of his numerous metals and acknowledgements of his courage and capabilities, the Admiral would look upon Ciaburri’s monument with pride and appreciation. And the flag currently flying over the Ciaburri property once graced the coffin of his father-in-law Kenneth Baird, a WWII veteran.

By Marilou Newell