Dark skies... a glimmer of hope or not?

[bojan]

In hope I am not in a breach of TOS with this post, here is the link to very interesting political initiative (https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/media-releases/switching-light-pollution-threatened-species?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news)..

[xelasnave]

Will Astronomers count as a threatened species?
alex

[AstroViking]

It's a start. Maybe next they can talk about the relentless urban sprawl and ways to stop it?

[bojan]

I think yes :)..

And because it seems Animal rights groups have much louder voice than us astronomers, so let's better align with them to widen this initiative a bit more (personally I would like to see Ballarat VIC on that list...)


I remember a discussion with a lady about street lights improvement in my area.. after exchanging only couple of words, it became clear to me we were on the opposite sides.

Her argument was that brighter street lights improves security.. less crime etc.

My response was that street lights actually make life and work easier for thieves because they could see better what they are doing, and in the total darkness they would be forced to use torches, which would then be easily detectable by Neighborhood Watch or police for example ;).
At the end we agreed to disagree..

[strongmanmike]

It's a good initiative, anything that helps reduce light pollution, is a good initiative, as far as us astronomers are concerned. It's widely known in the dark sky quest circles that describing the effect of light pollution on astronomy and astronomy research is not a powerful catalyst to convince people to reduce/improve lighting (or launch less mega constellations of satellites :rolleyes:) the effects on wild life however, well, that is much more concerning for most non astronomers, so we need to support this angle/approach wholeheartedly!..the approach may well spread! :prey:

Mike

[RB]

No you’re not in breach of the TOS Bojan.
I trust that replies will stay on the topic of the LP initiative, and not stray off into individual political party ideologies or other overseas Government policies.

RB

[xelasnave]

Will we see in the mail any literature on how to reduce our use of lights? I am certain we will all get letters to that effect...Will we receive information from our energy supplier on how to reduce energy consumption accosiated with lighting...sure will any day now...

I am rather optimistic that very soon all lights will be turned off after 10 pm and that all crime will be banned after 10 pm.

I know that locks wont prevent crime but certainly a good light will....

Alex

[AdamJL]

I get that sort of stuff, Alex.
Trouble is they always say use LEDs... whilst they reduce power, they also aren't great for astronomy because of their colour.

[xelasnave]

Thanks I just knew I was right ;) Still it is a surprise that they offer advice to reduce their sales.

My power supplier is me...I will take the time to send myself a letter to cover the matter.

Personally I am not going to worry about things I can't control..or things I can control as worry is wasting ones valuable time left for you on this planet.....no matter what they say we are in for more lights..what I do find encouraging is Cuiv the Lazy Geek imaging in Tokyo where I expect there would be a high degree of light pollution...

The consideration for animals I suspect is more about buying votes to put it bluntly...but the thing to do..this everyone and tell your friends..is to take the time to write a letter to your local member and opposition saying what a great idea it is and they now have your vote..maybe they will keep buying if they get positive feed back...

Time for a suburban myth..tell it at your next encounter with a human..."did you know whales only beach themselves because of light pollution and frogs are losing numbers because there is now so much light their preditors are killing them all off"...

And_you can honestly say that you read that on the internet.. instant credibility.

Alex

[Boozlefoot]

Much agree with you, Bojan. Thieving is not restricted to darkness hours either, they're quite happy to invade your home during the day when you're home.

Brighter street lights will probably improve her false sense of security. In one of the local towns here, the area brightest lit is also the largest target.

Motion activated security lights around her premises at key points would prove a far more effective deterrent than street lights.

I have no security problems here in the dark, and plenty of abandoned mineshafts for disposal...............

[Shano592]

Interestingly, 1970's and maybe early 1980's Perth saw the street lights go out at 2am. I can't speak for earlier times, but I know it happened then.



Could we return to those simpler times?