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As part of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, the British Astronomical Society is campaigning for the return of darker skies through the prevention of light pollution. Whilst the problem is undoubtedly Britain-wide, it is particularly acute in Wales where we can see the loss of most of our dark nights’ skies.

The Cardiff Astronomical Society has been supporting the campaign for darker skies; noting the advance of light pollution into Wales’ rural areas. I recently met some members of the group when they visited the Senedd. Whilst the society recognises the benefits of on-street lighting, such as making our streets safer, its members take exception to the way in which areas are lit. Poorly directed lights can affect up to a fifteen mile radius of night sky, ruining any chance to practise astronomy or admire the night sky.

I had the opportunity to visit Australia some years ago when my daughter was living there, and I was struck with how much clearer the stars were compared to how we see them. I felt as though I could just reach up and touch them, literally. This was because there were very few street lights in the area where she lived which allowed nature to shine at her best.

Thankfully, light pollution is reversible. Methods of preventing light pollution include having dimmer security lights and directing lights correctly so that all the light doesn’t shine upwards where it is wasted anyway.

I have pledged my support for the campaign and I thank the members of Cardiff Astronomical Society for bringing this worthy cause to the public’s attention. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the society and it’s work, you can ring them on 029 2055 1704 or look at their website www.cardiff-astronomical-society.co.uk.
 

Whilst the environment has climbed to the top of the political agenda as our understanding of climate change has increased, tackling light pollution remains marginalised as people consider the loss of dark skies as the uncomfortable cost of progress.

As part of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, the British Astronomical Society is campaigning for the return of darker skies through the prevention of light pollution. Whilst the problem is undoubtedly Britain-wide, it is particularly acute in Wales where we can see the loss of most of our dark nights’ skies.

The Cardiff Astronomical Society has been supporting the campaign for darker skies; noting the advance of light pollution into Wales’ rural areas. I recently met some members of the group when they visited the Senedd. Whilst the society recognises the benefits of on-street lighting, such as making our streets safer, its members take exception to the way in which areas are lit. Poorly directed lights can affect up to a fifteen mile radius of night sky, ruining any chance to practise astronomy or admire the night sky.

I had the opportunity to visit Australia some years ago when my daughter was living there, and I was struck with how much clearer the stars were compared to how we see them. I felt as though I could just reach up and touch them, literally. This was because there were very few street lights in the area where she lived which allowed nature to shine at her best.

Thankfully, light pollution is reversible. Methods of preventing light pollution include having dimmer security lights and directing lights correctly so that all the light doesn’t shine upwards where it is wasted anyway.

I have pledged my support for the campaign and I thank the members of Cardiff Astronomical Society for bringing this worthy cause to the public’s attention. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the society and it’s work, you can ring them on 029 2055 1704 or look at their website www.cardiff-astronomical-society.co.uk.