Illustration: Light, Reflection and Mood

We learn from a story in Mental Floss magazine about Viganella, Italy. They have an unusual problem. From November to February, the sunlight does not reach them. This is because the town sits between two large mountains. The townspeople accepted this and the gloomy mood that resulted. Then Giancomo Bonzni came up with an idea: He recommended putting a giant mirror on one of the mountains. In 2006, the mirror was installed along with software to keep it at the right angle to the sun. The main square is now lit from November through February. The people haven't noticed any increase in the heat, but they have noticed an improved mood.