Seattle Space Needle SkyBeam

Seattle Space Needle Skybeam

The following images document the light pollution created by the 85 million candle power lamps atop the Seattle Space Needle.

Originally, the Space Needle Corporation indicated that the skybeam would be lit 70 nights per year. They then backed off of this schedule and claimed that it would only be lit on the nights of January 1st, 2nd and 3rd. So far they have lit it on five nights (see below). It's not clear when the Space Needle Corporation will light the skybeam in the future.

For more information please see:

Dark Skies Northwest - Northwest Section of the International Dark-Sky Association
Seattle Astronomical Society

Click on images to see larger versions.

Taken on January 2, 2000 7-8 PM.
ASA 400 film
35 mm format
1 second exposure times
Partial cloud cover


From S.W. Admiral Way in West Seattle (105 mm f/2.5)	From W. Highland Drive on Queen Ann (105 mm f/2.5)

From W. Highland Drive on Queen Ann (28 mm f/2.8)	From W. Highland Drive on Queen Ann (28 mm f/2.8)

From South end of Myrtle Edward's Park (28 mm f/2.8)	Independence Day

Related Websites

Nights of Operation

Jan.	1	2000
Jan.	2	2000
Jan.	3	2000
Jan.	16	2000
Jan.	17	2000
May	28	2000
July	4	2000 (for about 1 hour)
September	2	2000 (Bumbershoot - on until midnight)
September	12	2000 (why? no holiday, no event)
November	10	2000 (Veteran's Day)
December	25	2000 (Christmas)
September	11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22	2001 (9/11/01 Tragedy)

© 2000 Bruce Weertman.

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