Dark skies now!

Peter Ward · #1 03-02-2008, 05:02 PM

I've just written to the Federal Minister for the Environment, suggesting a National Outdoor lighting policy.

Researching the figures was interesting. Use of LPS and shielded lights nationally could save 80 million Kg of greenhouse gases a year.

National energy costs have the potential to be lowered by $10 million a year.

We'll never win dark skies by saying we like Astronomy, but given the numbers above, most MP's could be compelled to make the effort to re-lamp the country.

All it takes is a few letters to MP's and media editors

Anyone with me on this?

Cheers
Peter

Astrolabe · #2 03-02-2008, 05:21 PM

Hello Peter and well done. I am with you on this one.

There is an outdoor Australian Standard which cover all issues associated with lighting levels, appropriate light fiitings and glare. Two friends and ex-colleagues from Sydney Uni had a lot to do with it.

My understanding is that this Australian Standard has not been adopted by the Building Code of Australia and for this reason is not mandatory, but individual Council's have the legal power to adopt it. I hope that some may choose to do so.

Regards

George (astrolabe)

Peter Ward · #3 03-02-2008, 05:35 PM

George,

Unfortunately it will only work if the changes are mandated Nationally.

Piecemeal efforts by local government will not do much

"aspirational green house targets" al la APEC are simply meaningless...kinda like my New Years resolutions...exercise more, drink less etc....oh..and pass me that beer will you..

One can hope..

Bassnut (Fred) · #4 03-02-2008, 06:05 PM

Peter

Liability issues make councils increase lighting in public places all the time, and what of the costs of retrofitting LPS and shielding?, both in $ and greenhouse gas?

Peter Ward · #5 03-02-2008, 06:31 PM

Hello Fred,

The cost is minimal. For example the Sutherland shire re-lamps most fixtures
over about a 3 year period, whether they need it or not.

I get the impression I'm preaching to the converted here...we need better, not more lighting.

The USNO has a great page that covers many aspects here

http://www.nofs.navy.mil/about_NOFS/...eferences.html

Europe already glows in a sea of LPS yellow at night....it just takes Oz a few dozen years to catch up it seems.

Cheers
Peter

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Peter

Liability issues make councils increase lighting in public places all the time, and what of the costs of retrofitting LPS and shielding?, both in $ and greenhouse gas?

sheeny (Al) · #6 03-02-2008, 06:42 PM

Sounds good to me, Peter.

Though I'm not a big fan of petitions usually, would a petition be a worthwhile tool to help reach a broader audience than just us astronomers?

http://www.gopetition.com.au/

I would suggest listed under "environmental".

Al.

ngcles · #7 04-02-2008, 01:34 AM

Hi Peter & All,

Spot on I'd reckon Pete!

Make it relevant (and politically correct & a vote winner) to an item near the top of their adjenda, and the pollies will leap on it like free lobster lunch.

Don't talk dark skies to them.

Better, say -- efficient, cheap, popular, brings green-house emissions down, creates jobs, stimulates the economy and most important of all --makes you look good Minister!

Best,

Les D

Satchmo · #8 04-02-2008, 08:30 AM

Theres lots of great info on the issues and how to approach councils at the International Dark Sky Association web site.

http://www.darksky.org/mc/community/...019&orgId=idsa

The problem is that the majority of the lighting industry are geared to set businesses up with the biggest brightest lighting possible: its big $$$ for them. Only councils will be able to control the level of lighting and they don't pay the industrial power bills.

My light pollution problems come from an industrial estate across the valley. Once one new wharehouse came up with bigger brighter lighting , the whole street followed suit, and probably ego has something to do with it too

Perhaps we need a lighting campaign like the anti- speeding campaign. `Bright lighting?..no one thinks big of you '

ausmensan (Simon) · #9 04-02-2008, 02:39 PM

Hi Peter,

I'm with you. Can you provide an example of the data, letter etc you have written? Perhaps if we all use the same info it would save on redundant research.

A coordinated approach would be best, and I would be happy to become involved in it.

Best

Simon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

I've just written to the Federal Minister for the Environment, suggesting a National Outdoor lighting policy.

Researching the figures was interesting. Use of LPS and shielded lights nationally could save 80 million Kg of greenhouse gases a year.

National energy costs have the potential to be lowered by $10 million a year.

We'll never win dark skies by saying we like Astronomy, but given the numbers above, most MP's could be compelled to make the effort to re-lamp the country.

All it takes is a few letters to MP's and media editors

Anyone with me on this?

Cheers
Peter

acropolite (Phil) · #10 04-02-2008, 08:01 PM

Great idea but why stop there, street lights are too high off the ground, too powerful (250-400 watts for a typical street light) and on for too long. I'd like to see them off after 11PM or at least make them motion sensing after that hour (requiring something other than Mercury or sodium vapour lights) I can't remember where I read it but in some parts of Europe they simply turn off the streetlights after a certain time.