Full Description
This book takes a close look at our relationship with the sky, the stars, light and darkness. In particular, it examines how light pollution has interfered with the culture of astronomy and our ability to appreciate this essential facet of our natural world.
The sky has always held significance for humanity, in both cultural and scientific terms. And yet we persistently pollute it with (sometimes unnecessary) light in our obsessive desire to chase away the darkness. This effectively switches off the stars, hampering our ability to enjoy one of the most inspiring sights nature has to offer to humankind. In addition, too much light is hazardous to both our health and that of the fauna and flora of this planet.
This book also features a comprehensive look at the current controversy regarding efforts to expand internet access through the launch into low Earth orbits of thousands of new satellites, which will pollute the night with moving lights while filling to saturation the capability of the circumterrestrial space. This conflict does not mean that the interests of astronomy and those of space technology have to be at odds, and potential compromises are explored between the satellite initiative and the desire to maintain a dark, radio silent sky.
Contents
Chapter 1 - The sky as a cultural heritage.- Chapter 2 - The fascination of light - And that of darkness.- Chapter 3 - Earth at Night.- Chapter 4 - Artificial lights as a health hazard.- Chapter 5 - Artificial lights' impact on flora and fauna.- Chapter 6 - How do we measure the sky darkness?.-Chapter 7 - What can we do?.- Chapter 8 - Searching of the darkest places.- Chapter 9 - Full immersion in the radio waves.- Chapter 10 - A sky full of satellites.- Chapter 11 - Who gave permission?.- Chapter 12 - Proposals to mitigate adverse impact.
