Episode 104
Dobro jutro, prijatelji!
We are ready for a new and super episode of Let’s Learn Croatian.
It’s opposite day today, so we’ll be learning how to say such things as:
Up and down!
Left and right!
Good and bad!
You know… opposites!
Lesson
The opposite - suprotnost
The opposite of - suprotno od
Good - dobro
Bad - loše
Good is the opposite of bad. - Dobro je suprotnost lošem.
Up - gore
Down - dolje
Up is the opposite of down. - Gore je suprotno od dolje.
Super Slatko Report
For this edition of the Super Slatko Report, DJ Moe is going tell us about Croatia’s beautiful night skies. For all of the star-gazing enthusiasts out there, this episode will be out of this world!
Let’s kick things off with what makes a good place to visit for Stargazing or night time photography like I would do.
I’m sure you can look up at the sky at night and see stars most nights where ever you live, but what makes these spots Im about to recommend so special? So let’s begin with a list of things that one would want to have when seeking an optimal location for viewing the cosmos.
Minimal light pollution. What is light pollution some might ask? Well its man made light sources that interfere with your ability to see stars and planets. To see the stars best you want a dark space that allows your eye to fully dilate to allow you visibility to take in more of that beautiful starry night. Too many bright lights close by and your eyes won’t be able to do that.
A place that has minimal obstacles to obstruct your view. Preferably a high point to see over anything that could get in your way or a low point where any potential interferences are at the same height or lower. High places obviously make sense, but great low points work too, I got some great stargazing last time I was in the desert.
People to share it with, friends and family are great for this. I also like to meet people that are passionate about astronomy. People that are willing to tell you what to look for, but also are excited to share with you their knowledge and experiences. Not only do you make quick friends, but you get more out of the experience over all. Maybe they have a telescope they’ll let you take a peak through if you don’t have one yourself.
Ok, now that, thats out of the way, where are we going?
Otok Lastovo - in an article from May 2023 that I came across on Total Croatia News, Otok Lastovo was working towards gaining Croatias 4th International Dark Sky Park Status.
What is Dark Sky Park Status? Well there is an organization known as the International Dark-Sky Association, also known as the IDA, that certify/ designate certain places in the world to carry Dark Sky Park Status. Here are the Parameters from the IDA website.
“An IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. The land may be publicly owned, or privately owned provided that the landowner(s) consent to the right of permanent, ongoing public access to specific areas included in the IDA designation.”
Lastovo has a few things going for it that make it so special. Obviously the Dark Sky Park Status, but also that Lastovo is the furthest inhabited Island in Croatia, really dropping the chances for light pollution. There is only one town on the island, known as Lastovo, that is perfectly nestled on a hill that overlooks flat land for clear unobstructed views. Lastovo is really pushing for this and they hope to attract visitors to enjoy the stars for many years to come. They are also working toward creating activities specifically designed for citizens, tourists and children.
Višnjan Observatory in Istria - the Višnjan Observatory located on Tićan Hill in the town of Višnjan. This non-government funded Observatory is known world wide for a few things.
The Višnjan Observatory is a member of the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Spacegaurd Foundation. They are in the Top 5 Observatories in the world for collecting measurements on NEO’s, Near Earth Objects. Their job is to observe and report on potential threats that could be out there. But also follow up to ensure what someone else saw is there or not.
The Višnjan Observatory keeps an eye out for whats in space, but also their community on the ground too. They are proactive in education for youth of all ages and through college, helping to develop minds via workshops in astronomy, physics, biology, geology, robotics, chemistry and the social sciences.
But if you’re visiting and want to check them out, they offer lectures, a tour, a walk through in what they do, and view through a separate telescope to see the night sky first hand. They even walk you through the visible constellations.
There is a fee associated with this visit, check their website for details, all proceeds go to keep the Višnjan Observatory going.
My last Stargazing recommendation
The Town of Jelsa located on Otok Hvar - Jelsa is located on the northern coast of Otok Hvar; Hvar is amazing and known for its fun lively atmosphere. So why am I recommending this spot for optimal star gazing. Remember my first recommendation? Otok Lastovo? They are close to gaining their Dark Sky Park Status. Well, Jelsa has had their Dark Sky COMMUNITY status since 2022. Since Jelsa is a community they have obtained a different type of status with the IDA, International Dark-Sky Association. How did a community, where people live pull this off you might ask? Well Jelsa retrofitted over 1,000 public and private lights to only emit light above 3,000K CCT that are fully shielded from projecting light from shining up. So how bright are these lights? I googled it, here’s what I found.
“3,000 K gives off a soft white glow, often yellow in appearance; best for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and outdoor spaces.”
This is how they light their whole town at night, and the lights are not to be turned on until needed, then turned off when not in use.
How did they get a whole town to get on board with this? Education.
The Croatian Astrnomical Union organized astronomical viewings and lectures, light pollution lectures, as well as developing school activities educating on the importance of dark skies, not just for night time viewing but for ecological local wild life as well.
So next time you plan your trip to Croatia, and your aim is to have a fun night out in Hvar, plan on staying a second night, but in Jelsa.
And thats it for the Super Slatko Report.
