THE RIGHT TO STARLIGHT
“We have a 'right to starlight,' astronomers say
August 14, 2009 (AFP via Aerospace and Defence News)
"The public's "right to starlight" is steadily being eroded by urban illumination that is the bane of astronomers everywhere, the International Astronomical Union said…
"The body, which wrapped up an 11-day general assembly in Rio de Janeiro that attracted galaxy-gazers from around the world, argued that authorities should use more unobtrusive lighting in cities and towns."
World light pollution. (click to enlarge)"Such moves would not only free up the night skies to make for easier viewing but also promote environmental protection, energy savings and tourism, it said in a resolution…
"It asserted that being able to see the stars 'should be considered a fundamental socio-cultural and environmental right.'"
U.S. light pollution. (click to enlarge)"One Brazilian astronomer…[said it should be possible to see 5,000 stars but light pollution obscures all but 150 and] nearly a third of electric lighting is directed to the heavens, and thus wasted…[while 2+ billion people cannot see the Milky Way, robbing humankind of a “heritage site”]…
"Possible solutions include putting aluminum covers on street lighting to direct the illumination downwards, and using weaker, more energy-efficient lamps…"
posted by Herman K. Trabish @ 5:12 AM
1 Comments:
This is so true! When I leave my urban home to visit the Southwest I feel like the sky at night is falling on my head there are so many stars - it's breath-taking. Growing up in cities I hardly noticed the night sky had all but disappeared. Amazing that it never occurred to me that we could take steps to limit the light pollution.
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