Discover Top Posts Tagged with #light-pollution

'Space graffiti': astronomers angry over launch of fake star into sky

Rocket Lab said the Humanity Star was supposed to be a “reminder to all on Earth about our fragile place in the universe”, and the company’s chief executive and founder, Peter Beck, said the sphere would “create a shared experience for everyone on the planet”. But many astrophysicists disagree. Richard Easther from the University of Auckland told the Guardian that Rocket Lab may have unintentionally hit on a particularly sore point for his profession. Light pollution is already a serious concern for scientists whose focus is on the stars, and the introduction of a glinting disco ball in space has not been widely welcomed.

via https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/26/space-graffiti-astronomers-angry-over-launch-of-fake-star-into-sky

#rocket-lab #disco #humanity-star #light-pollution #astronomy #2018 #Jamming a brilliantly glinting sphere into the heavens

Importance of Dark-Sky Standards

As the artificial light glows up the skies, it becomes harder to view the beauty of the night sky. Excessive and inappropriate outdoor lighting generates light pollution which further affects the overall ecological and economic system of the universe. According to the UVM National Park study, 99 percent of the world’s skies suffer from light pollution. And as per Larry Ciupik, an astronomer at Adler Planetarium, Chicago appears to be one of the most light-polluted cities in the world.

Light-pollution is a major concern to astronomers as well. Astronomers argue that increase in light-pollution restricts the future astronomical observation. The University of Hawaii astronomers explains, how with every ten percent increase in brightness level, the view from the telescope is reduced by ten percent, making it difficult to spot asteroids. Bob Mizon, Astronomy author says that light-pollution can no longer be taken for granted and it is high time to create awareness about the dark sky.

The Dark Sky Places Program is an initiative taken by International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to persuade communities around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies. As of now, IDA has certified 48 Dark Sky Places. In order to encourage manufactures to develop outdoor lighting that minimizes glare and protects the night sky, IDA has developed fixture seal of approval program. Thousands of products and hundreds of manufacturers have been approved under the FSA program. Philips Lumec, Cree, Juno Lighting, RAB lighting are few example of IDA approved manufacturers.

Scott Davis, COO of International Dark-Sky Association says, individually people are becoming more aware of dark sky concept. As a result citizens are requesting their governments to build dark sky legislation that promotes good lighting. And at the same time, manufacturers are also focusing on designing fixtures that meet dark-sky standards.

#led lighting #LED streetlights #led lamps #led lights #light-pollution

Human Impact: Artificial Light Disrupts Sex Hormones of Birds

GR: Artificial light contributes to wildlife decline. Harmful human impacts also come from habitat loss, invasive species, toxic waste, pesticides, hunting, livestock grazing, water diversion, logging, mining, hiking, sound, and more. The growing impact of our seven billion mouths to feed and seats to sit overwhelms every little improvement we make. For a well-documented survey, I recommend…

View On WordPress

#Animal Rights/Welfare #animal-rights #Human Impact #light-pollution #Wildlife