understanding current events and their history
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.
Steve McQueen (March 24, 1930 – November 7, 1980)