Light Pollution: A Threat to Ground-based Astronomy

Details Light Pollution: A Threat to Ground-based Astronomy Light Pollution: A Threat to Ground-based Astronomy

Sep 1999

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999dps....31.0706d&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #31, #07.06

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

Light pollution that accompanies population growth has reduced the effectiveness of several world class observing sites and threatens most others in the world. Recent decades have seen an activist approach to dealing with light pollution issues, led by a few members of the astronomical community. The principal tool for combating light pollution is the local outdoor lighting ordinance designed to protect dark skies by requiring some combination of: a) shielding outdoor lighting so that none of the light is emitted above the horizontal plane, 2) encouraging the use of "astronomy friendly" light sources such as low pressure sodium, and 3) limiting the total amount of outdoor light that is produced. Such measures have been effective in the past, however, in some areas, development is rapidly moving close to world-class observatories; the Canoa Ranch development near Mt. Hopkins in southern Arizona is the most recent highly visible example. More effective measures are needed to protect existing sites in the future. The astronomical community needs to become more aware of the increasing threat to many prime observing sites and become more active in developing effective programs for preserving the dark sky. This is needed not only for the benefit of our profession but also for preserving the heritage of the night sky for future generations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Light Pollution: A Threat to Ground-based Astronomy does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Light Pollution: A Threat to Ground-based Astronomy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Light Pollution: A Threat to Ground-based Astronomy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1554752