by Mitch
Battros (ECTV)
The theme of
The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) was "Light Pollution".
It is becoming a fast concern of many in the field of astronomy.
A vivid and alarming visual presentation was given by Chad Moore
and Dan Duriscoe. Both are with the U.S. National Park Service.
Chad Moore, whose Master Degree is in Earth Science, is stationed
at Pinnacles National Monument. Dan Duriscoe who is also a Earth
Scientist, is stationed at Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon
National Park. They have teamed up to produce the first "data
base" showing how even the darkest skies in the world are
rapidly becoming encroached by urban lighting.
In my personal
interview with both Dan and Chad, I asked what the dangers or
repercussions may be to people. Their answer indicated it is mostly
related to aesthetics. They made the point of how important it
is to most individuals to be able to see nature (and space) in
its most pristine conditions. Dan Duriscoe made a statement that
is hard to argue. He said "isn't that why you go to a national
park in the first place. To interact with nature that strikes
a cord with our most primal instincts and needs." I replied
to Dan with a strong affirmative...YES!. I believe aesthetics
are very important. It gives pleasure and comfort and maybe even
belonging.
Chad Moore and
Dan Duriscoe's ground breaking research has taken them around
the nation, to some of the most remote area's in the world. They
have collected a series of seamless photographs showing the precise
variations of artificial light interference. These fields of assorted
light structures are known as "Light Domes". Scientist
from around the world are using their collected data formulating
the basis of a world-wide field study known as the "Night
Sky Team".
But wait, is
that all there is to a new field of study called "Light Pollution"?
The answer is no. In my interview with Dr. Steve Gregory - Physicist,
Astronomer and Professor at the University of New Mexico states,
"It is also showing to affect humans and animals as well.
Dr. Gregory is the Associate Director of UNM's Institute of Astrophysics
and Director of Capilla Peak Observatory in the Manzano Mountains.
Dr. Gregory
asserts the following; "We are all on a natural cycle. Research
has shown that birds as well as animals have been thrown off their
habitual patterns due to light pollution. In the larger metropolitan
areas, sequenced photography shows there is no longer "night
and day". It is light all the time." Dr. Gregory went
on to say that many of our major observatory's are no longer useful
due to their positioned vicinity to developed areas.
What a sad revelation
to discover. It is my belief that such an occurrence could very
well be contributing to mental health issues. Perhaps mood disorders
such as depression, hyperactivity, or chronic fatigue can be directly
attributed to the interference of natural rhythm patterns. This
is such a new and cutting edge field of research, no one knows
for certain just what the ramifications of light pollution is
causing.
I was fascinated
to hear Dr. Steve Gregory's statement that much of the subjective
variability of photographs taken to measure light encroachment,
are due to charged particles such as 'Aurora's'. Yes, this is
to say that the Sun and its activity has been shown to affect
telescope visibility to the night sky. Geomagnetic storms, CME's,
Solar Flares, Magnetic Field Shifts all play a part, in the way
of charges particles, and our ability to monitor the skies.
I had the great
pleasure to meet and interview Dr. Kurt Anderson. He is a professor
of Astronomy at New Mexico State University. He is a astrophysicist
and past-President of the New Mexico Academy of Science. Dr. Anderson
is also Director of Apache Point Observatory near Sunspot, New
Mexico. With Dr. Anderson's background, I could not help but ask
about asteroids, comets, and minor planets. My question was 'does
this new field of study regarding 'light pollution', have an effect
on astronomers ability to discover or track asteroids and comets'?
Dr. Anderson: "Yes. I can say it mostly affects our ability
to track or discover comets, more than asteroids. Comets have
distinct light crystals that are often described as 'tails'. Whereas
asteroids, are dark solid structures often made of metals such
as nickel and iron.
Of course I
also could not help myself but to ask Dr. Anderson about NASA's
statement of only being able to track about 10% of current NEO's
(near earth orbits) or NEA's (near earth asteroids). I was curious
if "light pollution" was part of the problem. The answer
was "yes". It appears solar system activity (outside
of Earth), does indeed play an important role in life right here
in our own back yard.
Dr. Kurt Anderson
reminds us a "dark sky is a national resource and an important
scientific resource and well worth preserving". ECTV has
been invited to Apache Point Observatory as a special guest of
Dr. Anderson. Thank you!
In my interview
with David Penasa - Director of Electrical Engineering at BPLW
and Architectural Engineer, he skillfully outlines five major
areas of light pollution. 1) Sky glow - destroys mankind's view
of the universe (a national heritage). 2) Light trespass - someone's
outdoor lighting encroaches on our property. 3) Glare - blinds
us and reduces visibility (Glare is never good). 4) Clutter -
trashes the nighttime environment (causes confusion as well).
5) Energy waste - costs us over $1.5B/yr (est.) in USA alone.
David Penasa's
contribution to the conference was from an engineering and architectural
point of view. David believes an initiation of State and Federal
codes could apply to lighting. Just as there are federal building
codes, there should be a city or state ordinance regulating the
type or power of lighting. There already exist zoning ordinance
in most cities, and some cities like Albuquerque, have lighting
regulations already in place.
A point was
made that this new field of 'Light Pollution', suggest it is like
a slowly warming pot of water. If your in the pot, you may not
notice the temperature rising until it is too late and begins
to boil. David Penasa summarizes by saying "Light pollution
is any adverse effect of man-made light used in the night environment".
Perhaps someone could turn off the stove burner, and let the water
cool down.
Editors Note:
A special thanks to Karen Keese. She was in charge of putting
the conference together. Karen, you did a first rate job. Your
contribution was well accepted and appreciated. Karen is currently
the vice-President of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS).
See can be reached at (505) 261-0040. mailto:pr@taas.org
A side note:
For those of
you who believe any governing body such as NASA could hide or
suppress news of something new or odd coming from space, I would
say wake up and smell the coffee. There are simply too many "like-minded"
amateur astronomers with their telescopes pointed to the skies
who simply could not be controlled. For you Planet-X enthusiast
(and a few freaks), I assure you if any form of a celestial orb
whatsoever, was to enter the range of some very powerful telescopes,
NASA may be the last to know. I stake my reputation on it. (Mitch
Battros).
Unless you have
met the quality of scientist (both amateur and professional) as
I have outlined in this report, and you wish to convey statements
of so-called Russian Scientist, or anyone else, I will expect
exceptional evidence to back up your claims. Otherwise my response
to your chatter will simply be "No Thank You".
Next Saturday
October 5th, I have been invited to join TAAS to Chaco Canyon
where we will have access to the Chaco Canyon Observatory which
includes a domed platform mounted 24" reflector telescope.
What else can I say!
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Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangestv.com
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