Join us during MA Space Week as we celebrate the beauty and health of both the Earth and the Night Sky!
Light pollution, simply put, is any unnecessary or excessive outdoor illumination. Sadly, it’s become a pervasive and ugly consequence of modern 24/7 society. Light pollution robs us of the night sky’s beauty, negatively affects the ecosystem, and creates an in-your-face waste of energy. But a new mindset and new technology are poised to slow — and perhaps reverse — this bane of modern life.
Come learn how you can safely light up your home, business, and community without wasting energy, disturbing your neighbors, or creating an unhealthy environment for humans and wildlife. This presentation will teach us about the different ways that this illumination can affect the natural nighttime landscape, and disturb the environment. It provides a basic overview of light-pollution issues — with special emphasis on five negatively-affected themes: (1) loss of starry nights; (2) glare; (3) ecological harm; (4) human factors; and (5) energy waste.
Questions? Contact Kerry: keodonnell@somervillema.gov
About the Presenter:
Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974, when he joined the staff of Sky & Telescope. After 43 years of pounding the keyboard, he retired from full-time work in early 2018 but remains actively involved in many S&T articles, tours, and other projects. An award-winning writer and communicator, he holds a Bachelors degree from the California Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in science journalism from Boston University. Kelly has been active in efforts to reduce light pollution for more than 30 years. He served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors for the International Dark-sky Association (darksky.org) and is now an officer with DarkSky’s Massachusetts chapter.
About DarkSky International:
Founded in 1988, DarkSky International, formerly knows as the International Dark-Sky Association, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the night skies for present and future generations. Its main focus is the control of light pollution – the inappropriate use of artificial light at night – which harms our planet and robs us of the opportunity to experience the wonder of a natural night sky.
Today, the organization is the recognized authority for night sky protection and has taken the lead in identifying and publicizing the negative impacts of artificial light at night on human health and safety, wildlife and climate change. Its staff and volunteers work with the public, city planners, legislators, lighting manufacturers, parks, and protected areas to provide and implement smart lighting choices.
DarkSky International’s public outreach efforts provide solutions, quality education, and programs that inform audiences across the United States and throughout the world. At the local level, our mission is furthered through the work of our U.S. and international chapters representing five continents.
