Light Pollution & Astronomy
      MPs concerns

In Sep 2003, a House of Commons Committee produced a report called 'Light Pollution and Astronomy'. A small number of MPs, displaying unusual thoughfulness and even soul, came up with a series of conclusions that highlighted the government's lack of interest and concern about one of mankind's most magical and majestic experiences - darkness and the night sky. See below for some quotes from their report.

"The night sky is one part of our environment we have shared with all cultures in all periods of human history." (from Prof Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal.)

"To draw a veil across this aspect of humanity's cultural heritage .. is to deprive us of a source of inspiration that has operated for thousands of years." (Prof Mark Bailey, Armagh Observatory.)

Glaring Britain

"We were told by the Minister that the Government had put funding into the two Australian telescopes to allow every school to buy time through these telescopes and down the internet .. there is great viewing of the Milky Way. We were suprised that the Minister for School Standards did not see the irony of his own words. Schools are now obliged to buy time to enable their pupils to view stars .. when the UK's own night skies should be there for all to view for free."

"The adverse effects of light pollution on energy consumption are both undisputed and a source of much disquiet and annoyance for large parts of the population. The government fails to take the issue seriously and does not consider light pollution in its full context - with its effect on everyone."

Security Lights

In a pristine night sky, 2500 stars should be visible. In some urban areas, just 16 are visible.

"We are in no doubt that light pollution is getting worse."

"The evidence relating to the correlation of lighting to crime is not conclusive."

"Firm guidance and direction must come from the Government [on street lighting] .. is not acceptable from attitude from the Government that is spending £380 million."

"It is clear that there are significant potential energy savings to be made in the area of security lighting by reducing the amount of light pollution emitted from them."

"Whilst it is possible to angle 500w security lights correctly, we consider that for normal domestic purposes, they are energy-inefficient and liable to cause a nuisance."

Glaring Europe

"Light pollution is not only detrimental to the science of astronomy, but it is wasteful of energy and causes distress to many individuals."

"The Government seems to be using the argument that measurement of all light pollution is impossible as a reason to do nothing aobut it. In the mean time, light pollution is getting worse."

"We recommend that obtrusive light should be made a statutory nuisance."

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