Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: AllenG on 05/11/2008 01:30:18

Title: Are the skies more blue
Post by: AllenG on 05/11/2008 01:30:18

There has been a serious cutback in the number of airline flights in the US recently.
I've been noticing more stars than I can normally see, even saw the Milky Way which is normally obscured.
The skies seem to be a shade or so darker.
Am I out of my mind or could the reduction of air traffic actually be affecting the clarity of the skies?

Title: Are the skies more blue
Post by: paul.fr on 07/11/2008 11:28:10

You could be right, Allen.

In the aftermath of 9/11 when all planes were grounded, the skies were reported to be bluer. Also (possibly) the place with the bluest sky is at the pole due to the low humidity, so i wonder if you may live near the canadian border and are influenced by Continental Polar (cP) or Continental Arctic air masses.

Title: Are the skies more blue
Post by: AllenG on 07/11/2008 16:41:29

I'm in the state of Georgia, the deep South.  However I'm under the umbrella of the Atlanta airport's (world's busiest) TSA.  The cut in air traffic will be more pronounced here than elsewhere.