It is the elephant in the room and is rarely mentioned in this forum. Its growing reach threatens our hobby, erodes effectiveness of LP filters, frustrates urban observers and drives us ever longer distances to observe. Maybe because we feel helpless to do anything and pretend it just one of those things you stoically deal with. So, there is no discussion here about how we get around it, how to do anything about it, what can we do about it as a community, how might we influence the governing officials, the lighting industry, the public?
One thing is certain with the introduction of LED lighting it will get worse and more rapidly than ever! In just two years since LEDs became part of my urban lighting "improvement" program in Adelaide my skies have brightened from Bortle 5 to 6! We all know the frustration a new light that a neighbour, business or Council has installed that makes your observing life a misery and the often demoralizing experience of getting anything done. But then there are success stories too.
Can we start a Forum category "Light Pollution"? Stories of how it affects us, what we did to ameliorate it, whether it be making changes to your situation eg dealing with a bad light, negotiating with neighbors, businesses or local governments. Where to get information (eg
IDA).
It may be a bit political for this forum, but do nothing you may as well say goodbye to dark skies and be forced to more inconvenience than ever or just give up observing altogether. You can be a passive observer letting it overwhelm you or take possession of your hobby and become pro-active to help protect it. You can do it at what ever level you feel comfortable with. Some
IDA brochures passed on to friends and casual visitors who view through your scope or to involvement at a more official level in your club. Does it have a
light pollution section?
A majority of the public in Australia want action on environmental issues. (eg protect Barrier Reef!) Light pollution has an impact on the environment beyond astronomy and is part of the whole problem of environmental degradation. This can be used to promote dark skies to the benefit of all, not just astronomy.
Can the moderators of this forum create a Light Pollution forum please?
Martin