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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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Magnetic Therapies of America:
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Mitch
Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangestv.com
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