Summer Solstice at Parowan Gap

PHOTOS from the Parowan Gap

There are many glyphs at Parowan Gap, some of which we understand. There are others that I'm sure will reveal their meaning as more research is done and still others that will always remain a lost mystery understood only by those who created them.

The picture on the right, the “zipper glyph” is a composite map, glyph, numerical calendar, and system of outer cairns. The glyph itself consists of a large "V" shaped line with a narrow neck and a lobe at the vertex. Along with the line are numerous tick marks thus giving it a zipper line appearance. Counting the tick marks on both sides of the line indicates that there are or very close to 180 marks. This is the number of days that it takes the sun to traverse the horizon between the solstices. If we then let the extended arms of the "V" represent the extremes of the sun's traverse, this figure makes perfect sense as an observational calendar. It combines the angle of solar traverse with the number of days it takes to make that traverse.

For more information on the Parowan Gap visit:

http://www.parowan.org/city/pgap/

http://www.parowangap.org/

Light Pollution

When you hear the word pollution do you think of dirty water and litter by the side of the road?

There is another kind of pollution that does not involve dirt or trash and even seems benign. Light Pollution!

Light pollution is an increasing problem, threatening astronomical facilities, ecologically sensitive habitats, our energy consumption, and our human heritage.

Light Pollution is misused or misdirected light:
Sky Glow.............is light wastefully escaping into the night sky and causing a glow over urban/suburban areas
Glare....................is light shining dangerously out into peoples eyes as they walk or drive by.
Light Trespass.....is unwanted light shining onto a neighbors property or into their house.

Light Pollution
wastes billions of dollars annually in the United States
wastes incredible amounts of valuable natural resources
pollutes the air we breath through needless generation of electricity (most of which comes from fossil fuels)
harms nocturnal wildlife
harms humankind, being linked to some serious ailments
destroys the views of the heavens that man has enjoyed since the beginning of time.
Light Pollution can be prevented
Upgrade exterior lights to full cut-off fixtures and other dark-sky friendly products
Reduce the wattage of bulbs used in all your fixtures
Turn-off lights when you're not in the area
Replace automatic timers with motion detectors

How you can help
1. Shield it,
2. Point it down,
3. Don't use more than you need,
4. Turn it off when you are done or if you're not there.

To learn more go to: http://www.utahskies.org/lpIndex.htm

Guzzlers providing thirsty wildlife a much needed drink
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has provided more than 570 man-made water sources that are providing thirsty birds and animals with water in some of Utah's harshest environments during summer.

Chukar partridge and mourning doves in Utah are the game birds that use the state's guzzlers the most. Guzzlers are also heavily used by desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Birds and animals that people hunt aren't the only wildlife that benefit, however. There are a whole host of nongame species that benefit, including jackrabbits, small mammals, gophers and a myriad of birds.

For more information on guzzlers go to http://wildlife.utah.gov/news/02-07/guzzlers.php

Rocky Mountain Power making power lines safe for eagles and other large birds.

Triangles on power poles prevent eagles from perching between wires that can cause electrocution when touched simultaneously.

Rocky Mountain Power provides a number of energy efficiency tips that can be found at http://www.rockymtnpower.net/Navigation/Navigation72391.html

For Information on reducing your carbon footprint go to: http://www.rockymtnpower.net/Article/Article74176.html

California Condor

Scientific name Gymnogyps californianus
Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

Only 22 condors were known to remain in 1982, while today the world population exceeds 200, and about one-quarter live in Arizona. The near extinction of the condor is believed to have resulted from a reduced food supply, poisoning and human persecution.
Enjoy seeing condors. They are an integral part of our natural world. Their recovery results from teamwork, dedication, and contributions from many.

Identifying Features

Black feathers with wingspan up to 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). 
Largest flying bird in North America.
No feathers on the head, which is grayish black on immature birds and orange on the adults.
White colored triangle under the wings.
Wings have tags with numbers for identification of individuals.

Breeding

Condors reach sexual maturity between 5 and 8 years of age. They may mate for life and normally produce one young every two years. Young leave the nest at 6 months of age, but rely on their parents for over a year.

Behaviors to Observe

Condors do not kill their own food; they eat carrion (dead animals) ingesting up to three pounds at a feeding.
Condors can fly hundreds of miles in a day.
The best time to observe condors is during warm weather, when they soar on thermal updrafts.
Condors do not have vocal chords and communicate with hissing and grunting noises.
Condors usually roost in large groups.

How you can help

Enjoy condors from a distance. Do not approach or feed them.
Never shoot, chase, throw objects at capture or harm a condor. Birds of prey are protected by federal law, with severe penalties.
Hunters can help either by using non-lead ammunition or by removing all shot animals and covering gut piles. Condors have died from ingesting lead in carcasses.
Learn more about condors at www.peregrinefund.org