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(meteorobs) Powerful spotlights spoil astronomy
(Here is a letter I just sent off to one of Ottawa's newspaper)
Powerful spotlights spoil astronomy
I am writing to respond to the July 27 letter "Casino's spotlights
stain the sky" (page B5), by Philippe de Jocas, Hull. The writer states
that the casino spotlights steal the charm of the night and is a health
hazard to some people.
I am a serious amateur astronomer and have been active for several years.
I observe the skies year round on most clear, moonless nights from areas
mainly south-east of the city. More specifically, I observe and photograph
meteors over long periods of time for the purpose of useful scientific
studies. The data I collect when observing is sent to international
organizations involving professional researchers.
In addition to the health problems mentioned by the writer, these
powerful spotlights greatly affect the quality of the night skies,
not only in surrounding urban neighbourhood, but as far as 40km away
from town. Many astronomy activities necessitate a dark sky, largely
unaffected by the city lights. Local astronomers today have no choice
but to travel great distances from the city to access such dark skies.
When this form of light pollution reaches out so deeply in the country,
and leaves astronomers with no other places to go, I think there is
cause for concern. Perhaps, the casino should have a curfew and turn
the spotlights off before midnight. Please bring us back our natural
night skies.
Pierre Martin
1673 Bottriell Way
Orléans, Ontario
K4A 1W1
Phone: home 834-2944 work 990-2625
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Pierre Martin . . * . * . .
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Ottawa Valley Observers Group . . . . . .
Visual meteor observer . . . . -* .
Ottawa, Ontario, CAN . . . . .
home: p.martin@cyberusdot ca / . . . .
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Graphic Designer . | .
National Aviation Museum | \
work: pmartin@nmstcdot ca * . \
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