Pre-reading questions:
- What is a night sky reserve?
- What are some reasons why people might be interested in astronomy or stargazing?
Vocabulary:
- ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/
- certified /SUR-tuh-fahyd/
- disrupt /dis-RUHPT/
- cycle /SAHY-kuhl/
- appreciation /uh-pree-shee-EY-shuhn/
[adjective] – relating to the environment and the relationship between living things and their surroundings
Many farmers use ecological methods to protect nature while growing food.
[adjective] – officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting specific standards
The teacher is certified to teach science and mathematics in high school.
[verb] – to interrupt the normal progress or activity of something
Loud noises can disrupt a student’s ability to concentrate in class.
[noun] – a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order
The water cycle shows how water moves from the ground to the sky and back again.
[noun] – a feeling of being grateful for something; recognition of the quality or value of something
She showed her appreciation for the help by baking cookies for her friends.
Article reading:
To protect the night sky, local astronomers like Juan Carlos Hernández have led conservation initiatives, including community outreach, policy advocacy, and monitoring light pollution. Hernández, president of Querétaro’s Astronomical Society, stressed the park’s ecological sensitivity and highlighted Mexico’s 2021 General Law of Ecological Balance as essential for conservation. In 2023, he submitted a proposal to Querétaro’s Congress for better local regulation. Regular pollution reports to DarkSky assess sky conditions, while public events encourage community appreciation for the night sky. These efforts collectively aim to preserve this dwindling natural resource, enabling future generations to enjoy a pristine, star-filled sky.
Comprehension questions
- What makes Joya-La Barreta Park special in Latin America?
- How high is Joya-La Barreta Park above sea level?
- What problem does the park help to address regarding urban areas?
- What organization recognized Joya-La Barreta Park’s certification?
- What percentage does light pollution increase global sky brightness each year?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever visited a place with a clear night sky? If so, what did you see? If not, where would you like to go to see stars?
- Do you use less artificial light at home to see the stars better? If so, how do you do this? If not, why do you think it is hard to reduce light?
- Do you agree that parks like Joya-La Barreta are important for protecting the night sky?
- What do you think are some ways that light pollution can affect animals? Can you give examples?
- Why do you think many people are not aware of the problems caused by light pollution? How can education help?