2 in Tucson, 9 in Plattsburgh

 

© 2025 Luke T. Bush

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY – 2/11/25

So how did a fidgety four-year-old boy grow up to be a patient astronomy enthusiast?

It was difficult for Ed Guenther to stay still when he was young, sitting with his father during a hunting trip. To keep his son occupied the father would draw attention to the sky, pointing out what could be seen up above.

Ed mentioned this during his presentation at Plattsburgh Public Library. The theme of his lecture, Tucson 2 = Plattsburgh 9, was how different viewing locations could be subjectively rated at a particular time.

In Tucson, Arizona local skywatchers would rate poor viewing conditions as a 2. But to someone like Ed that 2 was equivalent to a higher rating in Plattsburgh: 9.

Ed stressed patience with astronomy. If conditions were poor he would wait for the skyview to improve. Even with relatively poor conditions he could record objects in the sky while others just didn’t try.

He has found himself dealing with a difference of opinion with local officials, trying to promote better viewing opportunities.

When Plattsburgh City was planning to change its streetlights to an antique style, glass globes that shoot light in all directions, Ed mentioned that such lighting would affect skyviewing. At night such lamps throw a lot of glare into the sky, making it difficult to see stars and planets as well as the aurora (northern lights.)  The antique streetlights won out.

With the solar eclipse last April he had discussed with the city about turning out streetlights for 3 ½ minutes so that their light wouldn’t detract from the viewing. An official told him that despite such a short time period such a blackout would endanger everyone. Riots breaking out, looters unleashed.

Ed’s next lecture at the Plattsburgh Public Library is scheduled for on April 8 at 6 PM. The topic will be eclipsia, how an eclipse event can affect someone. The event is free. For more info contact Ed at Ephemeradk@outlook.com .