Ever felt you could just reach up and touch one of the stars on a moonless night? The Ranch’s position between Comfort and Fredericksburg allows enough of an escape from city lights to enjoy evenings of shooting stars and satellite spotting. In fact, if you visit the Heavens Above website http://www.heavens-above.com
you can see what day and time the space station and different satellites cross over Alamo Springs.
One drawback to star gazing here has been the proliferation of security lights that not only illuminate the ground but reflect light upwards and thus interfere with night vision. I recenly spoke with Central Texas Electric Company (CTEC) and they said they are now installing only sky friendly lights that reflect light downwards. You can see an example of this type of security lamp in front of the Christian Fellowship Church on Alamo Road.
For those of you with the old style of lamps I highly recommend you contact CTEC at 830-997-2126 and request a change to the new lamp. This will only enhance your ability to enjoy the night sky while still providing the security you desire. Not sure if there’s a charge or not for the changeout but viewing the milky way is worth every cent!
I bet you didn’t know that the rhyme “Twinkle twinkle little star” had five verses…
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky!
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark,—
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.