Page 19 - Flathead Beacon // 12.24.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM Christmas Spirit on Display DECEMBER 24, 2014 | 19
Last week NASA released nighttime images from a satellite orbiting Earth and something became abundantly clear: Americans like Christmas lights. Around many major cities in the U.S., nighttime lights shined 20 to 50 per- cent brighter during Christmas and New Year’s compared to the rest of the year, according to NASA scientists.
Electric bills and energy consumption aside, there’s a joy that resonates from a well- lighted home, and during the holiday season, the collective American landscape — east to west, urban and rural — has a noticeable shimmer among Earth’s dark globe.
“It’s a near ubiquitous signal. Despite being ethnically and religiously diverse, we found that the U.S. experiences a holiday increase that is present across most urban communities,” Miguel Román, a research physical scientist at NASA, said in a news re- lease accompanying the images. “These lighting patterns are tracking a national shared tradition.”
To celebrate the season, the Beacon profiled an upstart family business that’s shar-
LIGHTS
ing the colorful spirit of Christmas with riders, while also providing a map of Kalispell
where families can take in some of the best displays. Please be respectful of these homes
and take precaution when driving through the neighborhoods. And mostly, enjoy the
season.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
— Beacon Staff