LED: The best hope for darker skies

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Mariner
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LED: The best hope for darker skies

Post by Mariner »

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22292129

Hopefully can convince the authorities that it saves money and is more energy efficient to switch to these LED lights and we get darker skies.

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yltansg
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Re: LED: The best hope for darker skies

Post by yltansg »

Thanks Mariner for sharing up-coming technology. Current generation got to do something about it. Otherwise future generations growing up in the cities will see lesser and lesser of the awesome universe....
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VeeJay
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Re: LED: The best hope for darker skies

Post by VeeJay »

I once saw a superb TED talk about this, but can't find the link now :(

And yeah, I agree - the only way we can convince non-astronomy enthusiasts (most of world's population) is to use the argument that LED's save power.
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Mariner
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Re: LED: The best hope for darker skies

Post by Mariner »

I've been mulling a petition to improve lighting for some time now but seeing that petitions generally do not amount to any actions, or even considerations, by the authorities. Anyone recall the horror/anger when our PM said he wanted the CBD skyline to "light up" even more?

I guess the development of such light technologies is the best way to convince the beaurocracy to change for efficiency that is also beneficial for the night skies. Many of the young to middle-age people have no idea what the Milky Way looks like. That is really a sad thing to note.

Perhaps can extend an invite to our PM to one of the sidewalk sessions to better "educate" him? [smilie=admire.gif]
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Gary
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Re: LED: The best hope for darker skies

Post by Gary »

Petitions may be a bit confrontational. It may attract attention for a while but sooner or later, drown out by other news and events in time. In the recent ST Life! cover story on Stargazing in New Zealand, there is a nice column about light pollution. Straits Times has a daily circulation rate of 389,700. Any public discussion and follow-up action on light pollution in Singapore? How many people still remember that article today or 6 months from now?

Perhaps a softer and more regular approach is more suitable. One way is via creating more awareness through more regular and pervasive sidewalks in Singapore. So during every clear night sidewalk event, the public can be reminded again and again about light pollution for years to come. Slowly but surely, the collective voice from the ground to get things done will grow louder and louder until it can no longer be ignored.
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