Dear readers,
Greetings and welcome to the newsletter by the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance. We aim to illuminate the efforts, endeavors, and stories from across the region in battling light pollution, elevating awareness, and nurturing a legacy of star-filled skies.
In this issue, we cover:
Valuing Darkness Symposium 2024- Early Bird registration
Lead up to Dark Sky Week 2-8 April
The Optimal Colour for Outdoor Lighting at Night
Losing Sky Knowledge One Smartphone App at a Time
Valuing Darkness Symposium
11-12 September 2024, Victoria University, Melbourne
Join us for a full-day symposium where experts will discuss the global impact of light pollution on culture, energy consumption, health, wildlife, and astronomy. Explore sustainable solutions and learn about the latest research in combating light pollution.
Early Bird registrations are open until April 30th
Register here and save 20%
We hope to see you there!
Dark Sky Week
2-8 April 2024
International Dark Sky Week is a global event aimed at raising awareness about light pollution, advocating for simple solutions to address the issue, and celebrating the breathtaking beauty of the natural night sky.
Initiated by high school student Jennifer Barlow in 2003, her motivation was clear: "I want people to be able to see the wonder of the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The universe is our view into our past and our vision into the future. I want to help preserve its wonder."
One way you can celebrate this week is by participating in the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance Campaign - help us gather Dark Sky Data and let your council know you care about the night!
There are many ways to celebrate Dark Sky week, please share with us how you plan on celebrating. Document your experiences, or your thoughts and suggestions, and share them on social media using the hashtag #ADSA .
The Optimal Colour for Outdoor Lighting at Night
By Dr Ken Whishaw
The great news is, that there does not need to be a compromise between good night outdoor vision, and minimizing the blue and green light responsible for most light pollution.
Optimizing night vision lighting does not compromise the night sky under low light conditions, because for human eyes, orange is the optimal colour for outdoor lighting at night.
Â
Perhaps this is an ancient survival adaptation we developed to allow us to peer into the dark while sitting around a campfire.Â
Â
We have rod and cone receptors in the retinas at the back of our eyes. The cones are known as red, green and blue, and detect fine detail, colour, and require moderate light to function. The rods are responsible for very low lighting level perception but are monochromatic and very low in visual acuity. To see and interpret objects clearly, we need enough light for the cones to work.
Ideal outdoor lighting at night should aim to maximize perception from all these receptors.
There are far more faint stars than bright stars but
light pollution hinders our ability to see these.
Credit: Dr Nick Lomb
Goodbye Skywatchers, I’ve Got a Smartphone: Losing Sky Knowledge One Smartphone App at a Time.
NightSkyTourist writes an interesting and fun-to-read article that discusses how we have lost our connection to the sky and where modern technology has replaced our ancient, ancestral knowledge of the Sun and stars.
We would love to hear from you and learn more about the initiatives taken by communities, businesses, and government bodies in our quest to protect our celestial wonders.
To contribute articles, photos, and information for our next issue, scheduled for release on March 22nd, please contact outreach@ausdarksky.org by March 15th. Additionally, we offer a Dark Sky Events and Activities Calendar where you can add your upcoming events dedicated to preserving our dark skies.
Together, let's continue to cherish and safeguard the splendor of our starry nightscape for generations to come.
Marnie Ogg
Director of Outreach
Comments