Ridgway photographer Gary Ratcliff captured this image of the Milky Way over Chimney Peak near Ridgway earlier this week. Dark skies enthusiasts who want to preserve stargzing opportunities here cheered the Town Councilâs passage of an ordinance that aligns with International Dark Sky Association standards. Photo courtesy Gary Ratcliff/Ourayimage.com
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Shooting for the stars
By Mike Wiggins & Erin McIntyre
Val Szwarc figures the residents of both coasts of the United States have rarely, if ever, seen the Milky Way, washed out by the light pollution generated by the sprawling cities that dot both ends of the country.
He contrasts that with Ridgway, where on any given clear night you can look up at the river of stars flowing across the sky, uninhibited by glaring street or porch lights. For nearly two years, he’s made it his mission to preserve that resource for ...