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Big Bend National Park has completed the first phase of a project to improve exterior lighting throughout the park.  The goals of the “Night Sky Project” are to reduce night sky light pollution, reduce electrical energy consumption, and provide adequate lighting.

The work was accomplished with grants from the National Parks Foundation, the Friends of Big Bend National Park, Forever Resorts Inc., and park staff.

The new night sky-friendly lighting at the Panther Junction’s visitor center entrance has reduced lighting from 480 Watts to less than 14 Watts.  Yet the new lighting allows visitors to view maps and information after hours at the visitors center.

Story at KOSA
More National Park News

The C. Crane Company has introduced a new energy-efficient light bulb, calling it the “the best light bulb in the world.”  The GeoBulb LED light bulb uses only 7.5 watts to provide as much light as a 60-watt incandescent light bulb.  It also boasts an impressive lifespan of 30,000 hours (10 years).  The bulb is available in three color spectrums: cool, warm and soft.

“It’s best light bulb in the world.  It’s the most efficient and the longest-lasting,” said President Robert C. Crane.  He also believes the bulb could reduce worldwide energy use by 10 percent.

But as always, there is a catch: the bulb currently sells for $119.  The company hopes to drop the price significantly as production increases.

Story at the Times-Standard