The white structures on the mountain are the telescopes of the Kitt Peak National Observatory. That mountain ridge is 75 miles from where we're standing. It doesn't look it, does it?
Wikipedia describes Kitt Peak: "With 23 telescopes, it is the largest, most diverse gathering of astronomical instruments in the world."
The first rays of the morning sun light up those white telescopes long before they warm the valley floor below. This is the first thing I see on my morning walks.
The homes you see in our community of Tucson Estates II are regulated with respect to allowable night lighting because of Kitt Peak.
Light pollution would diminish the capability of the telescopes, so all of our homes' exterior lighting consists of "down lights." The effect in the evening is enchanting. What you see are puddles of light on the ground, and brilliant stars above.
Of course, you need to be here to see it. That can be arranged. :)
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EDIT: Here's The Kitt Peak Virtual Tour for you astronomers. Please comment before you leave. :)
