Question 1: Today we’re in a national park named after its characteristic trees. Which is it?
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Redwood National and State Parks
Answer: Joshua Tree National Park
Fact: Joshua trees, spiky desert plants belonging to the Agave family, are primarily found in the Mojave Desert. Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, marks the meeting point of two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave and the Colorado—resulting in a diverse landscape filled with towering boulders, rugged mountains, and distinctive flora and fauna.
Question 2: International Dark Sky Week is celebrated during …
- Jackson Wild Summit
- The week of the new moon
- Low tide season
Answer: The week of the new moon
Fact: International Dark Sky Week is purposefully scheduled during the new moon phase to enhance visibility of the night sky. At this time, the moon is not visible from Earth, as its illuminated side faces away from us. With no moonlight to brighten the sky, natural light is minimized, providing optimal conditions for stargazing and observing stars, planets, and deep-sky objects without interference.
Question 3: Which light is ideal for stargazing?
- White
- Blue
- Red
Answer: Red
Fact: Red light is ideal for stargazing because it preserves your night vision. In darkness, your eyes undergo a process called “dark adaptation,” which allows you to see faint objects, such as stars, more clearly. Bright light—particularly short-wavelength light like blue or white—can interrupt this adaptation, temporarily reducing your ability to see in low-light conditions.