Hello all,
According to the posts at the Cut Waste Panel web site, it seems that there is a need to light up the CBD. According to the authorities, this is also needed to 'attract' foreign tourists and provide a 'distinctive nighttime identity'.
To a certain extent, I feel that light pollution within Singapore cannot be fully eradicated. However, if we could, one day, convince the authorities to use more efficient lighting systems, perhaps we could see the Milky Way from the HDB estates' parks too.
It seems that according to IDA, you can see the Milky Way from downtown Tucson in Arizona!
Darker and clearer skies to all!
Omega
Light pollution in Singapore- Suggestions and more
My dream for a proper light controlled "city" is Big Island in Hawaii. If anyone has been there, it is quite a bit creepy after being used to normal cities. Big Island is where many of the world's greatest observatories are (including the Keck telescope). All the environment, infact the whole island, including people's homes, street lights, public building lighting, etc, is all perfect for astronomy. Just seeing that and compared to Singapore, you can feel how far we are from getting to that standard, and maybe it's just plain impossible for Singapore. For example, their major highways have NO lights, and all cars drive using their own headlights !
Celestron 9.25SGT, Meade ETX125, Orion ED80
Good day to all
I think that there are government agencies trying to minimise redundant light use that result in light pollution (including town councils). However, it seems to be a bit slow, and the urgency is not realised. Future generations might just lose the beauty of the night sky forever.
I dont think there would come a day when we can see the Milky Way from HDB estates; but there could possible be a day when we can see stars up to magnitude 4 odd naked-eye in the suburbs (hopefully)
That could be our target.
Clear skies!
Omega Centauri
I think that there are government agencies trying to minimise redundant light use that result in light pollution (including town councils). However, it seems to be a bit slow, and the urgency is not realised. Future generations might just lose the beauty of the night sky forever.
I dont think there would come a day when we can see the Milky Way from HDB estates; but there could possible be a day when we can see stars up to magnitude 4 odd naked-eye in the suburbs (hopefully)
That could be our target.Clear skies!
Omega Centauri
Hello
It is indeed amazing to note the number of light-polluted areas in Singapore. Let's list down the areas of interest and maybe send a suggestion to the authorities.
One location I visited recently was Marina Bay. Actually it is pretty dark; but at "Superbowl", there is a long 'corridor' of bright, white, incandescent lights shining right at eye level. They were extremely bright and cast long shadows.
For an unaware person, a lurking person could leap out of the shadows without him knowing anything. Nearby, there is a carpark with bulbous orange sodium lamps (dimly-lit).
Please feel free to share any other locations which the lighting can be improved upon.
Clear skies! Darker Skies for all!
Omega
It is indeed amazing to note the number of light-polluted areas in Singapore. Let's list down the areas of interest and maybe send a suggestion to the authorities.
One location I visited recently was Marina Bay. Actually it is pretty dark; but at "Superbowl", there is a long 'corridor' of bright, white, incandescent lights shining right at eye level. They were extremely bright and cast long shadows.
For an unaware person, a lurking person could leap out of the shadows without him knowing anything. Nearby, there is a carpark with bulbous orange sodium lamps (dimly-lit).
Please feel free to share any other locations which the lighting can be improved upon.
Clear skies! Darker Skies for all!
Omega
Hmm... I think Marina Bay was once used by Singastronians to observe until the light pollution problem worsen recently. :k-crazy: :k-shock: :k-sad:
But I recently read tat the gov is opening up many un inhabited islands in southern Singapore like Semakau landfill. If we increase the awareness of astro, the authorities might consider letting ppls go there to stargaze. Currently they only let bird-watching and fishing activities. :k-chuckle: :k-hello: :k-woohoo:
But I recently read tat the gov is opening up many un inhabited islands in southern Singapore like Semakau landfill. If we increase the awareness of astro, the authorities might consider letting ppls go there to stargaze. Currently they only let bird-watching and fishing activities. :k-chuckle: :k-hello: :k-woohoo:
Hi folks:
.... I wrote that IDA article many years ago... I have to confess throughout all these years, I have instead ventured into beating the light pollution using sensitive video ccd than thinking about public IDA awareness....
I believe given Singastro dynamic make up - you guys can achieve more in this area. Do spread the words of IDA awareness ... in astro gathering ...etc ..etc ... locate havens for astro/star gazing.... ask your cc, towncouncil etc to protect the lighting environment.... etc etc. Work with other org - nature societ.....
rgds
ykchia
.... I wrote that IDA article many years ago... I have to confess throughout all these years, I have instead ventured into beating the light pollution using sensitive video ccd than thinking about public IDA awareness....
I believe given Singastro dynamic make up - you guys can achieve more in this area. Do spread the words of IDA awareness ... in astro gathering ...etc ..etc ... locate havens for astro/star gazing.... ask your cc, towncouncil etc to protect the lighting environment.... etc etc. Work with other org - nature societ.....
rgds
ykchia
hi all. foa let me apologise for hijacking this thread....
i had a chance to talk to our local state MP (also a deputy minister) yesterday, we were talking about our city's promotion to city staus this year, recent developments, and tourism so i took the opportunity to bring up the issue of light pollution and the potential appeal/advantages of darksky to the local tourism industry, etc.
he agreed that there's a lack of awareness in this area - he himself heard about it for the 1st time yesterday. so he requested that i put together some papers, references for him.
it's a rare chance and i need some help in order to put together a comprehensive and convincing case for dark sky in my fast developing city and state.
please share any links/papers/articles/sites on the cost of light pollution - to the natural environment (migrating birds, turtles, etc.), power wastage, human productivity, security, etc. and the cost of alternative lighting methods.
thank you in advance.
i had a chance to talk to our local state MP (also a deputy minister) yesterday, we were talking about our city's promotion to city staus this year, recent developments, and tourism so i took the opportunity to bring up the issue of light pollution and the potential appeal/advantages of darksky to the local tourism industry, etc.
he agreed that there's a lack of awareness in this area - he himself heard about it for the 1st time yesterday. so he requested that i put together some papers, references for him.
it's a rare chance and i need some help in order to put together a comprehensive and convincing case for dark sky in my fast developing city and state.
please share any links/papers/articles/sites on the cost of light pollution - to the natural environment (migrating birds, turtles, etc.), power wastage, human productivity, security, etc. and the cost of alternative lighting methods.
thank you in advance.
I'd start with what is already out there at the IDA sites. Lots of good stuff, and I'm sure you could compile something from here :
http://www.darksky.org/infoshts/istopic.html
Good luck !!
http://www.darksky.org/infoshts/istopic.html
Good luck !!
Celestron 9.25SGT, Meade ETX125, Orion ED80