The titanic supernova, called Supernova 1987A (SN 1987A), blazed with the power of 100 million suns for several months following its discovery on Feb. 23, 1987. The more night pollution the more difficult it is to see the wonders in the night sky. That's just one reason to care about dark skies.  

Deschutes County government is restarting discussions about dark skies and night pollution.

No, the plan is not to tell you to turn off all your outdoor lights at night or rip them out. There have been discussions about requiring shielding for lighting, reducing illumination of signs, prohibiting upward lighting of trees and more.

Commissioners are sensitive to putting new requirements on homeowners and businesses. They are sensitive to concerns about making any new regulations retroactive. They want to see what the county might be able to do to ensure the nights are indeed dark where it makes sense.

The county’s action will include a campaign of education, but what more — or less — should the county do? Tell commissioners what you think. You can email them at board@deschutes.org.