Category Archives: light pollution

International Dark-Sky Association, light pollution, Loch Ness Productions

Save the Dark and Fund a Video

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Dark Skies are Our Heritage

Long-time readers here know that I am a HUGE supporter of dark skies initiatives. We’ve been members of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) for many years. The more I read about the effects of light pollution (and of late-night exposure to light) on all forms of life, the more I realize that it’s something we all need to be concerned about.

The International Dark Sky Association helps fight light pollution by helping people understand what it does to their health, the environment and the wildlife that shares this planet with us. And, it’s increasingly obvious that unshielded lights cost all of us a LOT  of money in wasted fossil fuel costs.

One of IDA’s main goals is to show people how simple it is to help mitigate the problem. They’re not there to turn off all lights, or decrease security. One of their major goals is to help people learn how to use light properly; how to light only the places that need it and keep light from bouncing UP to the sky.

Every few months I urge people to join IDA, or at least support it with a donation. And, that time’s come up again.

Bring the Message to Your Local Planetarium

Title frame from "Losing the Dark", being produced for the IDA as an educational project for planetariums and other venues. Courtesy Loch Ness Productions.

THIS time, I’ve got a special project to tell you about. One that you can participate in with a contribution.  It’s called Losing the Dark and it’s a video that will show up in planetarium domes and other venues in the near future.

I’m very proud to be associated with it because I’m the writer, co-producer and narrator of the program! Other colleagues involved in the show include Mark C. Petersen (videographer, video producer, and soundtrack, and my partner at Loch Ness Productions), the fine fulldome producers at Dome3D (city time-lapses and assorted animations), Dr. Connie Walker (of NOAO) and the IDA Education Committee, the fine folks at IDA, and many others.

Why am I telling you this? Because IDA is raising funds for the production and distribution of the show, and they need help from as many people as possible. So, like the fundraisers at PBS or NPR or any other of your favorite charitable causes, I’m lending my voice to IDA’s fundraising appeal for Losing the Dark. A few dollars from you and your friends will help all of us spread the word about light pollution through this lovely little video. And, if you want a perk — well, think about this: if more people get the message about shining lights exactly where they’re needed and NOT up to the sky, we’ll ALL benefit from the dark skies that result.  And, aren’t the stars worth a few bucks?

To read more about the project and make a donation, check out the special IDA “Losing the Dark” Web page.

When you’re filling out the donation form at the “Donate Here” link, be sure and click on the special box that asks if you want your donation  to help support the “Losing the Dark” planetarium show. Or, if you call in,  make sure and tell them that you’re directing your donation toward the  production and distribution of this unique video.

And, while you’re at it, why not join IDA as a member? You have nothing to lose but the glare that washes out the night!

 

International Dark-Sky Association, light pollution

Occupy the Milky Way!

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But First, Try to Find It

Empire State Building at night. Picture taken in October 2004 by Charliebrown7034

Did you know that a great many people, particularly in cities, have NEVER seen the Milky Way in the night sky?  I suppose you could shrug your shoulders and say, “eh… so what?”  Yeah, I suppose it’s not much of a loss if you’re not into stepping outside on a clear, dark night and seeing stars.  If you spend your  nights indoors, hunched over a computer or parked in front of the TV.  If so, you don’t know what you’re missing. And, for the people who haven’t seen the stars much, their loss, too.

Light pollution really sweeps away the view of the sky at night. When I’m in New York City I’m lucky to spot maybe a dozen stars.  I know they’re there. But, darned if I can find ’em.  But, lucky for me, I live in a rural area and the stars are a constant reminder of the universe from which we all came.

Seeing the stars at night, particularly the glow of the Milky Way, shouldn’t be a matter of “luck”. It should be an every night (when it isn’t cloudy) occurrence for all of us.  But, light pollution has done away with that chance.  That’s too bad, because it’s such an easy thing to fix.  We don’t need to be shining lights UP into the sky for security. We need to learn to use lights wisely.  That means, shining them exactly where we need them, and UP ain’t it.  Painting the sky orange doesn’t enhance safety and security.  But, using the proper fixtures, using them wisely, and turning off the ones we don’t need: those are HUGE steps toward keeping the night skies dark AND keeping the security we need.  Oh, and saving money, too.  Lighting up the sky costs money.   Light pollution also has health effects, on humans, plants, and animals. In light of all this, it’s about time all of us took responsibility for cleaning up our view of the Milky Way. Occupy it. Make it yours. And make it your neighbor’s. Make it the responsibility of all who light up the sky for no good reason (homes, cities, businesses, anyone who shines lights UP without thinking of the effect it has on wiping out the view of the stars, its role in people’s health, its effect on wildlife, and on our wallets as we pay more money to waste light.

The Milky Way as it should be seen. Courtesy European Southern Observatory.

Want to know more?  Check out the International Dark Sky Association’s Web page. It is FULL of information about good lighting practices, the effects of light on life, and the costs associated with overlighting our environment. While you’re there, join up and make a contribution to a worthy cause. It’s tax-deductible, if that’s what floats your boat, too. Light pollution isn’t just the concern of astronomers; it’s everyone’s problem and should be treated as such. Occupy the Milky Way!