The giant mirror of Viganella built to combat the 83 days of darkness in the year
In amongst the steep mountains of the Italian Alps lies the village of Viganella, a remote commune with a dwindling population of 200. Every year from November 11th to February 2nd, the village is cast under a dark shadow as the sun disappears behind the mountain. The mayor of the village Pierfranco Midali decided to combat this by building a giant mirror on the opposite mountain which would reflect sunlight back into the village. The mirror measures 8 meters by 5 meters and cost 100,000 euros to build and install. The project was such a success that people have began moving back to the village, and the mayor is now regarded as a hero.
Cross-section of bulrush (Juncus sp.) autofluorescing by Mr. Jan Martinek
