One of the great and much under appreciated things about living in Upper Saddle River are the dark nights. With very few street lights creating light pollution the area is considerably darker than many other areas, especially cities. With it there are a host of special things that town residents are able to enjoy, without having to go far. With a dark garden there is much to see.
A little known fact is that you can spot the International Space Station when its orbit brings it close. As it silently drifts overhead, hopefully on a high arc, you can see it as a bright light and almost see the astronauts gazing out at you. Look for the light that doesn’t flash and you won’t mistake it for a high altitude plane. If a supply ship is docked at the station it is even brighter and on a clear night, with a good moon, it is an amazing thing to see. If you are a radio amateur you can also have a quick chat with whoever is on the other end as it goes overhead. The astronauts are known to chat with lucky earthlings as they pass. For a short moment while it is above you can be in radio contact with ISS. Could there be anything cooler than chatting with an astronaut who is actually in space?
Throughout the year there are several astronomical events that are worth watching, and sometimes worth getting up in the middle of the night for. There are various meteor showers that happen during the year, and sometimes the timing, weather and season make them very visible and great to see. Most people have to go to designated dark viewing areas where there is almost complete night darkness, but in Upper Saddle River the level of darkness is good enough for a decent show. One of the best to view is the Leonids which arrives in November, peaking this year on November 17. The lack of humidity ensures a clearer sky (and better viewing) and if the weather and moon cooperate the view of the shower is incredible, which hopefully makes up for the cold temperatures. Hot chocolate and sleeping bags are always a good idea.
In the summer there are the fire flies or lightening bugs. No need to head to the Great Smoky Mountains, just go to your backyard. Just coming into the peak right now these curious little night creatures dance in the darkness getting higher as the night moves on. Starting close to the ground by late evening they are at tree top height. If you want to see them you have to turn the landscape lights off, or at least some of them, and ask your neighbors to do the same. These little bugs don’t like to be close to light, so any landscape lights will ensure you won’t have them. They have one season and spend most of their adult life searching for a mate so help them out and turn off the lights. So keep Upper Saddle River in the dark, and help the love life of some bugs!