WorldWide Drilling Resource

'+" '))/ '0 #.2'!# +! ,+ !# ,,( +" )'(# 1/ + #.2'!# ,2# +" #5,+" 5,1. +##"/ # /&'- 3,.)"3'"# 5 )) ! ..'#./ # 1')" 0, /1'0 5,1. ".')) '0 +##"// # /-#!' )'6# '+ .#- '. ,$ )) . +"/ +" /'6#/ # )/, & 2# )'!( ++'&') 0,. .')) 0'!(/ 0& 0 "#/0.,5 !) 5 +" /& )# $.,* 5,1. '0 )) ,)) .## +" + " ,. $ 4 1/ *'))/ &1%&#/ +#0 *'))/ '0/#.2'!#'+! !,* '0/ 2 ') )# $,. ,') +" % / 3 0#. 3#)) %#,0&#.* ) *'+'+% !,+/0.1!0',+ +" ,0&#. --)'! 0',+/ 33 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® SEPTEMBER 2016 Star Light, Star Bright Compiled by WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Since its establishment in 1932, atop Mt. Locke in west Texas, the McDonald Observatory has had a history full of discoveries. Surrounded by some of the darkest skies in North America, the observatory is home to the largest telescope on the continent, the Hobby-Eberly. The secluded spot attracts nearly 75,000 stargazers annually, along with professionals who have made astonishing discoveries, including the most massive black hole ever detected. With the observatory’s relatively close proximity to Texas oilfields, a growing concern has been emerging in the Permian Basin. As oilfields expanded, so did the amount of reflected light, or “light pollution” in this protected night sky region. Astronomers have found allies in protecting the dark from none other than the petroleum industry. The Texas Tribune reported companies and industry groups have been partnering with the observatory to educate operators, drilling professionals, and other service providers on reducing the glow, and possibly cutting energy costs at the same time. Amajor leader in the oil industry’s efforts has been Pioneer Energy Services. Stacy Locke, the company’s president and CEO also happens to be a huge supporter of protecting starry nights in Texas. When he was approached by Bill Wren, a spokesman for the observatory, Locke began working with Pioneer to curb the lighting problem. He said operators “like to do the right thing.” Working together, Locke and Wren implemented new lighting on Pioneer’s newest drill rigs to make them “dark sky compliant”. The two also published a study together in hopes of leading the industry to best practices concerning lighting. The fixes are actually quite simple. Lights on well pads and drill rigs are pointed down. Bright lights have been exchanged for warmer-colored bulbs and LEDs with shields. As an added bonus, workers’ eyes are protected from harsh glares. Advocates say these changes are making jobsites safer. Major oil and gas producers are committed to safety, cost efficiency, and environ- mental protection. Vigilant and innovative use of lighting can improve all three aspects. Lighting nighttime operations in a way that increases visibility and reduces glare is a win- win opportunity for the industry and stargazers. [through Facebook] Hey guys, we just got your August issue and appreciate the info very much! Cheers! AquaLocate Photo of star trails above the Hobby-Eberly Telescope by Ethan Tweedie Photography, courtesy of The University of Texas at Austin.