10.25.2023

Today’s Forecast

✨ Lights off, stars out

Protect the night by learning about light pollution

This, but in the heart of downtown. | Photo by @samkoganphotography

Did you know that the starry sky in Charleston is incredibly unique? Seriously, no two places in the world have the same view of the stars — talk about local.

The thing is, it’s likely you’ve never gotten to fully appreciate the night sky. For example, if you live in downtown Charleston, you probably won’t see:

Zodiacal lights, the cone of light above sunrise + sunset points
Meteor showers, like the Orionids in October and Leonids in November
The Milky Way, visible as a yellow-orange band of light in the night sky

In fact, we’re betting the sky at night is light gray or orange and bright enough to read by. So, are we psychic? Well, maybe — but these are all effects of light pollution.

Light?

Light. You may not think of light as a pollutant, but hundreds of thousands of people pointing lights into the night sky can seriously affect natural cycles that rely on light + the stars. Think:

Birds that pathfind using constellations
Insects attracted to light (like a moth to a flame, you could say)
Plants that use light to know when to grow + shed leaves
All creatures (even humans) that rely on day-night cycles for sleep

Even setting aside the ecosystem, it’s hard to argue with the view. (For reference, downtown Charleston is an 8-9 on the Bortle scale.)

Here’s something you won’t expect…

This is really good news. Of all the pollution that feels out of our control, light pollution is completely reversible. The International Dark Sky Association has resources to help you use artificial light conscientiously — and with October ringing in peak stargazing season, now’s the perfect time to jump in. Here’s some tips to get you started:

Swap harsh, unshielded lights with downward-pointing LEDs in a warm color.
Consider what needs to be lit and how much.
Support local light pollution policy.
Cure your FOMO by joining Lowcountry Stargazers’ Astronomy in the Park event tonight, 6 p.m. at Brittlebank Park, or by checking out our stargazing guide.

Events

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Fall Garden Stroll + Wine Tasting and Masquerade | Wednesday, Oct. 25 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd., Charleston | $30-$35 at the door; online tickets are sold out | Bring your friends for the last Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting of the season and wear your finest masquerade or Halloween attire — costume optional.
Bethany’s Gift & Gourmet Market | Wednesday, Oct. 25-Sunday, Oct. 29 | Times vary | Bethany United Methodist Church, 118 W. 3rd St., Summerville | Price of purchase | Shop gifts, holiday ornaments, desserts, and take-home casseroles.

Thursday, Oct. 26

Hutson Alley Halloween Oyster Roast and Pumpkin Carving Party | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Coast Bar & Grill, 39D John St., Charleston | $40 | Your ticket gets you all-you-can-eat oysters, three seasonal draft beers, and everything you need to carve a pumpkin.

Friday, Oct. 27

Murder Mystery Dinner Party | Friday, Oct. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | $85 | Immerse yourself in an entertaining two-hour interactive murder mystery and piece together who committed the crime.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Wellness

Hear the crisp crunch of autumn leaves more clearly

A user holds the Horizon Go by hear.com. | Photo by hear.com

Imagine the crunch of leaves underfoot, the cries of geese flying south, the wind blowing through the trees, the crackle of a bonfire. What if you couldn’t hear the sounds of fall clearly?

Good news: A 45-day, no-risk trial with Horizon hearing aids means you get to experience all of this, plus:

The world’s first hearing aids with dual processing
Crystal-clear speech understanding
A design so small + comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing it

Try Horizon with a 45-day trial

News Notes

Festival

High Water announced the lineup for its 2024 North Charleston music festival, Saturday, April 20-Sunday, April 21. The roster, curated by Shovels & Rope, features headliners Noah Kahan and Hozier. Tickets start at $135.

Real Estate

Akers Ellis Real Estate and Kiawah Conservancy acquired 16.32 acres of property on Johns Island to preserve its “natural beauty and ecological integrity.” All $61,500 in real estate commissions was donated to the conservancy. (CRBJ BizWire)

Cause

Local marketing agency Trio will participate in a national CreateAthon, Thursday, Oct. 26-Friday, Oct 27. Over 24 hours, free creative assets will be produced for Dorchester Two Educational Program, Engaging Creative Minds, SOS Lowcountry, The Lens Foundation, and Tri It For Life.

Travel

Today, Charleston International Airport is going pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Specially designed food and drink will be sold to employees, passengers, and stakeholders from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (WCIV)

Health

USC’s Arnold School of Public Health, in collaboration with SNAC + SNAP-Ed, launched the 5210 SC statewide campaign promoting children’s health. Kids are encouraged to eat five fruits and vegetables a day, limit screen time, engage physical activity, and avoid sugary drinks.

Tech

SC Nexus received federal designation as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub) by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It focuses on advanced energy, job creation, infrastructure improvement, and boosting SC’s electric-power technology role.

Pets

Nom Nom’s pre-portioned meals for dogs are made with whole-food ingredients you actually recognize — like sweet potato, beef, and pork. Get 50% off your first order (plus, free shipping).*

Civic

Have you heard about The Credit Card Competition Act? If passed, robust payment networks could be replaced with a cheaper, less secure network, reducing card issuers’ abilities to fund rewards programs — meaning your points and miles could potentially disappear. See what action you can take.**

**This message is brought to you by The Points Guy.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

I’ve got to hand it to you, Charleston: I’m based in Kansas City, but your High Water lineup got me and my partner seriously talking about making the trip out. We’re still undecided.

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