73/74 - International Dark Sky Places
Transcription
73/74 - International Dark Sky Places
nightscape Issue # 73/74 A Publication of the International Dark-Sky Association Photograph by Dave Wymer IN THIS ISSUE Meeting News Congressional Briefing Annual Meeting News Astronomy News Feature Article Section News Transitions 4 5 6 –8 9 10–14 17 18 LED: Long Lasting, Green, Energy Efficient, The Right Choice 48w LED 210w Metal Halide Mediterranean s s s s Monaco London Park Lane Indirect Lighting Glare Free Low Brightness Available with 24W and 48W LED engines Phone: 941.755.6694 www.beaconproducts.com Indirect Reflector IDA Dear members, I t was only six months ago that I had the great pleasure of befriending International Dark-Sky Association co-founder, Dr. David Crawford. We became fast friends as Dave shared with me his passion and vision for IDA and the night sky protection movement. He also expressed his desire to pass the torch to someone new and enjoy some well-earned time with his dear wife, Mary, after twenty years of hard work. I asked him how I could help this wonderful organization he so lovingly built with his dazzling mind and intense perseverance. He asked me if I would bring my non-profit expertise to IDA and serve as the Interim Executive Director to allow him a graceful transition to a position of Emeritus. I readily jumped on board. I am happy to report that during my long tenure of working to expand nonprofit agencies, I have never been so excited about the potential for success, or impressed by the passion of the staff, volunteers, and members as I have been at International Dark-Sky Association. IDA has become THE force that can facilitate the changes needed to protect our nighttime environment. I believe that preservation of dark skies will advance toward the forefront of people’s environmental radar as research regarding the effects of adverse lighting on the environment, wildlife, human health, and the safety of our cities and roadways accumulates. I am enjoying close communication with our esteemed board of directors in the search for a permanent Executive Director who possesses the skills and drive to guide IDA to the next phase of existence. IDA is poised and currently working to increase its membership base, political base, financial base, and professional influence. When you combine these growth factors, it is easy to see that we will be able to make a difference in preserving, even improving, our nighttime environment. I am thrilled to be a part of International Dark-Sky Association at this crucial time in its history. I hope that you, too, will value this special time for IDA and our work by continuing to be a member, participating in our regional IDA Sections, or supporting our efforts with your generous donations. We truly are protecting the night environment together! Thank you for helping us succeed—you are the essential ingredient that allows us to continue this important work. Elizabeth Hospodarsky Interim Executive Director Cover: Dave Wymer’s photograph is a four hour exposure on Kodak E200 slide film showing the North Star, Polaris, in the center. Exposures this long would never be possible without the dark skies of Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, USA. A note from IDA: Is your mailing address and e-mail up to date? If not, please update your information at IDA’s Web site at www.darksky.org. Issue #73/74/ 2008 International Dark-Sky Association The mission of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies. IDA was incorporated in 1988 as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FIN 74-2493011). Sections & Affiliates Sections Argentina, Australia, Canada (3), Chile, Česká Republika/Czech Republic, China, Éire/Ireland, Israel, Ελλάςα/Greece, 香港/Hong Kong, Italia/Italy, 日本/Japan, Malta, Österreich/Austria, Slovenija/ Slovenia, Schweiz/Switzerland, Sverige/Sweden, United States (31) Affiliates België/Belgium, Deutschland/Germany, France, Nederland/Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States (8) Board of Directors President Christian Monrad P.E. Vice President Buell Jannuzi Secretary Mary Crawford Treasurer James Benya Members Kelly Beatty; Daniel Brocious; Nancy Clanton; Paul Ericson; Terry McGowan; Leo Smith; Malcolm Smith; Martin Morgan-Taylor; Wout van Bommel; Christopher Walker; Reginald Wilson Staff Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Hospodarsky Membership Director Susan Ciarniello Research Assistant Erin Craine Writer/Editor Rowena Davis Technical Advisor Scott Davis Sections Coordinator Johanna Duffek Office Manager Anabel Gray Local Education Liaison Teresa Hudson Art and Design Stephanie Mar Public Affairs Kimberly Patten Technical Assistant Matthew Root Financial Associate & Accountant Ganga Samarasinha Technical Advisor Peter Strasser Newsletter Address corrections admin@darksky.org Advertisements & submissions editor@darksky.org Deadlines Issue #75: 15 Nov. 2008; Issue #76; 15 Feb. 2009; Issue # 77: 15 May 2009; Issue # 78: 15 Aug. 2009 Nightscape, a publication of the International Dark-Sky Association is published quarterly. Contact Address International Dark-Sky Association, 3225 N. First Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719-2103, U.S.A. Tel +1 520-293-3198 Fax + 1 520-293-3192 Web site www.darksky.org E-mail ida@darksky.org Advertising Rates 1X Rate 4X Rate Inside Front Cover $960 $3600 Inside Back Cover $960 $3600 Full page $800 $3000 Half page $425 $1500 Quarter page $250 $850 For more information contact editor@darksky.org Upcoming Meetings Vienna, Austria Don’t miss “DARKSKY 2008,” the 8th European Symposium for the Protection of the Night Sky, held on August 22 & 23, 2008, in Vienna, Austria at the historic Kuffner Observatorys. Topics include cutting edge methods of light pollution monitoring and discussion of light pollution’s impact on animals, human health, and climate. Additional sessions take an in-depth look at energy-efficient, dark sky compliant lighting technology, traffic safety, light pollution laws, and the financial considerations of implementation. Attendees can select side trips to Großmugl, to the Vienna University Observatory, to a dark observing site in the Austrian Alps and a guided tour through the Kuffner Observatory. IDA members receive discounted registration fees. Complete information is found at http://darksky2008.kuffner-sternwarte. at/. First International Dark-Sky Camp —Croatia Attend the First Annual International Dark Sky Camp, held August 25–September 1, and become a celestial explorer on an island once famous for sea piracy. Held on resplendent Lastovo Island in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea and timed to coincide with the end of DARKSKY 2008 in Vienna, Austria, this week long adventure combines awe-inspiring starscapes in one of the world’s darkest sky areas with stunning beaches and Byzantine architecture to enjoy by day. Evening lectures prepare attendees for what veteran sky viewers promise will be the best Milky Way gazing of a lifetime. The idyllic island location was chosen specifically for the clarity of its sky. 200 km of empty sea eradicates all light pollution to the south, creating incredible darkness-meter readings. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sky viewing gear, though binoculars and small telescopes will be available for use. Further information is available on the IDA Web site, www.darksky.org. Helsinki, Finland Divisions 4 & 5 of the worldwide engineering society Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) will hold their annual meeting on August 30–September 3 in Helsinki, Finland. IDA Technical Advisor and CIE/USA Secretary Scott Davis will participate in discussions on the latest advances in illuminating technology. For more information on the meeting, visit http://www.cie.co.at/div4/meetings/ Helsinki/fi.html. Ljubljana, Slovenia October 6–10: Ljubljana, Slovenia welcomes Europe’s top lighting experts to a joint international event. Balkan Light 2008, the fourth Balkan conference on lighting, will be held in conjunction with SDR 2008, the 17th Annual Conference of the Slovenia Lighting Society and the Annual Meeting of CIE Division 3 (Interior Environment and Lighting Design). Organized by the Lighting Engineering Society of Slovenia, the event looks at all aspects of lighting from physical, physiological, and philosophical viewpoints. Past Meetings Frankfurt, Germany IDA representatives and Dark Skies Germany were welcomed as exhibitors at Light & Build, held April 6 –11 in Frankfurt, Germany. A number of useful connections were established among the 169,000 attendees of the world’s largest lighting conference and trade show. Increasingly, manufacturers are recognizing the role of luminaire design in light pollution control. More importantly, they are responsive to the mission of providing lighting for recreation and safety without compromising the nighttime environment. The majority of the merchandise presented in the conference’s ten multi-level exhibit halls reflected the increasing popularity of shielded lighting fixtures. Almost all manufacturers displayed luminaires worthy of dark sky approval. Italian designed fixtures were notably well thought out, combining technology and artistry to produce a sleek, fully shielded product. The successful reception of dark sky ideas led to IDA invitations to future meetings. Anchorage, AK USA In March, the Alaska section of the IESNA hosted IDA Technical Advisor Pete Strasser as a speaker at their annual meeting. Presentations to members and the citizens of Anchorage dispelled lighting myths and provided details on current lighting trends, including dark sky compliance. Las Vegas, NV USA IDA Technical Advisors Scott Davis, Matt Root, and Pete Strasser attended LightFair International in Las Vegas from May 26 –30, along with multiple members of the IDA Board. Hosted by IESNA and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), LightFair is the largest lighting conference and trade show in the United States. IDA staff and representatives networked with the lighting industry to grow manufacturer participation in the IDA Fixture Seal of Approval Program while attending training seminars to increase lighting expertise. Portland, OR USA On July 9–11, IDA Technical Advisor Pete Strasser participated in the U.S. Department of Energy’s market introduction workshop, “Voices for Solid State Lighting Efficiency 2008”, held in Portland, Oregon. This semi-annual event helped shape the future of LEDs by drafting standards for testing, marketing, and efficiency, including luminaire criteria for the federal program Energy Star. Overall, the LED industry has made astonishing progress in LED performance. Predictions of efficiency levels for 2010 have already been surpassed. The DOE is partnering with several major companies as part of the Retail Energy Alliance program with a continues on page 18 Meeting News Nightscape Congressional briefing Photograph by IDA D ark skies gained national notice when IDA held the first of two Congressional briefings in Washington DC, USA on June 20, 2008. IDA staffers, associates, and endorsing organizations appeared before the U.S. House of Representatives with a high impact presentation on the negative effects of light pollution. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ08) sponsored the briefing, which enjoyed bipartisan support from Representatives John Culberson (R-TX07) and Steve Israel (D-NY02). All three Representatives endorsed an open letter to Stephen Johnson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for the EPA to define light pollution and incorporate research on it into their agenda, including educational outreach and possible involvement in the federal energy ratings program, Energy Star. Terry McGowan and J. Kelly Beatty of the IDA Board of Directors circulated the sign-on letter as the House briefing concluded. Due to the tremendous success of the June 20 House briefing in the Science and Technology Committee’s hearing room, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions agreed to host a similar briefing on Friday, July 25, 2008. DC Liaison Milt Roney did an exceptional job coordinating these events. Both briefings sat bipartisan Congressional staff, a contingent from the Green the Capitol program, and representatives of astronomical and conservation groups. The discussion at both briefings outlined the scope and dangers of light pollution, citing independent research from the U.S. National Park Service documenting the impact of dark skies and medical groups including the University of Haifa, Israel, and the World Health Organization (WHO), which is now recognizing shift work (through exposure to light at night) as carcinogenic. A wide range of control and abatement options for light pollution, such as how to strengthen national energy standards and enhance building codes, was then offered to the Congressional audiences in an effort to introduce a federal initiative for action. Issue #73/74/ 2008 Members of the IDA Board of Directors collaborated with national experts to present the latest information in three important fields. Lee Cooper, Manager of Emerging Technologies at Pacific Gas & Electric; and Chris Monrad, Vice President of Monrad Engineering and IDA Board President, assessed how energy efficiency in nighttime lighting can save billions of dollars and conserve fossil fuels. Travis Longcore, Ph.D., Science Director of the Urban Wildlands Group; and Marianne V. Moore, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Wellesley College, discussed the ecological consequences of nighttime light on migratory birds, endangered sea turtles, and various species of insects. Doctors David Blask of the Bassett Research Institute; Mario Motta of the Massachusetts Medical Society; and Richard Stevens, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Connecticut Health Center, spoke on potential human health effects. More information on these presenters, including slides and briefing documents, can be found at www.darksky.org. The briefings enabled IDA to reach a diverse group of legislators and political activists, offering dark sky proponents an opportunity to transform political interest into concrete protection for our natural heritage. IDA members and activists who contacted their Congresspersons made a tremendous impact on the success of the endeavor. Many staffers explained that they were attending the briefings due to constituents’ calls. In one especially inspired effort, children attending a community event made signs and artwork for the Senators at a booth hosted by Chicago Section Co-leader Audrey Fisher. Bearing heartfelt messages such as “I want to see MORE stars,” the artwork appeared in informational folders distributed at the briefing. Many thanks to everyone who showed the importance of dark skies to citizens across America by sharing your concerns with your members of Congress. One star at a time, we are making a change. Congressional Briefing Seeking a Balance N Photograph by Dan and Cindy Duriscoe o group appreciated the starscape spanning the Sonoran Desert more than the participants of the International Dark-Sky Association’s 20th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Conference, held at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, USA on June 8–10. Over 150 stargazers, leading lighting technicians, professional and amateur astronomers, lawmakers, conservationists, and community activists arrived from all over the world to discuss the most effective ways to protect the night. As knowledge on the importance of darkness grows and technology advances, dark-sky advocates find themselves struggling to preserve the heritage of dark skies while considering the needs of an expanding population. Titled “Seeking a Balance,” the conference looked for solutions through technological advancements and increased environmental awareness. The theme of dark sky community building created context for the information presented by over 30 gifted speakers from around the globe. Attendees participated in learning sessions on topics ranging from sports arena lighting to satellite imaging. Workshops on sections outreach and education held by IDA staff members provided practical information to activists and volunteers. The meeting was able to channel the multifaceted approaches to light pollution abatement into a cohesive platform of community enhancement through creative technology. The meeting also offered a chance for networking, reuniting, and moving ahead. IDA honored retiring co-founder Dave Crawford with a formal farewell at an awards banquet. Generous donations of original artwork, books, and other valuables were displayed around the reception area as part of a silent auction. Side trips to the National Optical Astronomy Observatory at Kitt Peak and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum showcased points of regional interest. Event surveys indicated an overall positive experience for attendees and offered useful suggestions for the future. Most importantly, professionals from a wide range of fields had the chance to create connections in many different industries, often building friendships as well. DVD conference proceedings can be purchased on the IDA Web site at www.darksky.org. Technology Dr. George Craford LED pioneer Dr. George Craford opened the conference with a keynote address on the advancements and future of LED technology. Dr. Craford’s research focuses on the cutting edge development of visible LEDs using a variety of compound semiconductor materials. LEDs have the potential to outperform most conventional light sources due to their high luminance, small size, and their ability to be focused in one direction. Limiting factors such as availability and cost have delayed their widespread applications, but the status is about to change. Huge leaps in materials technology and efficiency since the 1990’s have made LEDs available to market applications in outdoor display, signaling, and automotive brake and turn signal lights. Both the market and the uses of LED technology are nearly limitless. The unique qualities of LEDs give them advantages over many conventional lighting methods. Advances in high current density performance, control of emission spectrum, and packaging make them a rapidly emerging choice in street lighting and external architectural lighting. LED use can help reduce light trespass by eliminating stray light shining through the windows of neighboring houses or buildings. A high efficiency factor leads to unprecedented energy savings. LEDs are and will continue to be a powerful tool in dark sky technology. Dr. Craford has been advancing LEDs since the early 1970s, when he was among the first to create and utilize nitrogen-doped GaAsP technology, applying a science which became and remains a dominant commercial LED technology. He is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Philips Lumileds Lighting Company. Annual Meeting News Photograph by IDA Photograph by IDA Annual Meeting attendees enjoying the view from Kitt Peak. Exploration of the night sky at the Annual Meeting Star Party. Nightscape Astronomy Timothy Ferris Wellness Dr. Rubin Naiman The tradition of dark skies was celebrated in an address by keynote speaker Timothy Ferris, bestselling author of Coming of Age in the Milky Way, The Whole Shebang, and several other books. His groundbreaking guide to the night skies, Seeing in the Dark, was named one of the ten best nonfiction books of 2002 and an “Editor’s Choice” by The New York Times. Ferris wrote and narrated three television specials and produced a phonograph record as an artifact of human civilization for the exploratory space probe Voyager, which is currently exiting the outer reaches of the solar system. With the eloquence characteristic of his multiple bestsellers, Mr. Ferris explored the philosophical gap between the human individual and the limitless extent of the cosmos. In his musings, the sky became a backdrop for external exploration and a route to self discovery. After the rigorous scientific and technological topics discussed at the conference, Mr. Ferris’ keynote reminded listeners of the ultimate purpose of IDA. Lighting ordinances, technological breakthroughs, and celestial measurements are all vital to achieving IDA’s mission to protect and preserve the nighttime sky. But part of what makes that mission important is the awe, the possibilities of imagination, and the sense of magnitude that a pristine starscape can inspire. The keynote literally set the stage for a screening of Ferris’ latest PBS documentary, “Seeing in the Dark,” and for the IDA Star Party held outdoors on the resort grounds, which featured Ferris as a special guest. Dr. Rubin Naiman, a sleep and dream specialist at the University of Arizona, addressed human health consequences of a lack of sleep caused in part by artificial light. Research suggests that artificial light, especially short wavelength “blue light” of the kind usually emitted from TV and computer screens, is a natural suppressant of the sleep hormone melatonin. A decrease in melatonin usually leads to interrupted sleep and fewer dreams, which in turn has been linked to afflictions such as increased infection, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, cancer, and depression. Unfortunately, most of the world is currently experiencing a sleep depravation epidemic, with the National Sleep Foundation reporting 76% of adults with disruptive or unhealthy sleep patterns. Not coincidentally, sleep disorders are much more prevalent in industrialized nations. A variety of treatments are available for sleeplessness, the least effective of which come in a bottle. Research indicates that the best way to fall asleep may be to embrace the night, realizing that sleep is not unconsciousness, but consciousness of an entirely different nature. Dim the lights, turn off the TV and other sources of blue light, and let go of daytime consciousness to explore the realms of dreams. This integrated approach to achieving fulfilling sleep has helped Dr. Naiman become Director of Sleep Programs for the world-renowned Miraval Resort and the founder of the newly formed Integrative Sleep and Dream Health Coalition (ISDHC). He is the author of Healing Night and “The Sleep Advisor” (software) and the co-author of Healthy Sleep with Dr. Andrew Weil. Issue #73/74/ 2008 Photograph by IDA Photograph by Martin Morgan-Taylor A beautiful starry sky from the trip to the observatories on Kitt Peak. From Left: Martin Morgan-Taylor, David Crawford, Malcolm Smith, Reg Wilson, and Christopher Baddiley Annual Meeting News Building community I How can an overly lit area be more dangerous than darkness? Photograph by IDA How can an overly lit area be more dangerous than darkness? Bright light severely limits the eye’s ability to see a darker environment. Pupils automatically adjust to the brightest point of light, decreasing sensitivity to lower-lit areas. Uneven light creates many high contrast areas where it is difficult to perceive details. The effect can be described as a curtain of darkness around an illumination point. Even brief exposure to glaring light impedes vision in this way. When seen from a distance, the glare surrounding an unshielded fixture casts the rest of the landscape into a harsh shadow. The brighter the light, the less ability one has to discern what that shadow may contain. Conversely, low levels of light encourage perception beyond the beam of illumination because the pupil has adjusted to allow greater light sensitivity. Evenly spaced light diminishes the contrast between points of illumination, eliminating shadows. t’s no coincidence that most detective stories contain criminals who skulk in shadows. Pockets of darkness in brightly lit areas provide cover for real-life evildoers due to the eye’s difficulty in perceiving high contrasts. Low, evenly spaced light improves visibility and banishes shadows, creating an area disagreeable to criminals. The concept of uniform light is just one of the many strategies included in the multidisciplinary approach to crime prevention: CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). Criminologist C. Ray Jeffery published the book “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” in 1971, citing well known planners and community leaders from the 1950’s and 60’s. Jeffery’s initial approach to crime prevention included psychology and biological elements, as well as design of the built environment. More recently, Jeffery’s work has been combined with the ideas of architects and criminologists to create a set of strategies in urban design that contribute to crime prevention. The ingeniously simple idea to enhance safety by planning a city with fewer dead ends, adding windows in strategic places to existing buildings, defining public spaces, and eliminating secluded loitering points presents an effective way to deter crime without added cost. A key element in this type of city planning is illumination; however, it’s important to note that it is only one of multiple elements. The IDA has long supported CPTED theories in advocating for lighting that saves energy and preserves the natural ambiance of dark skies while providing illumination adequate to maintain safety and security. To further encourage this connection, IDA hosted a CPTED training session (taught by the National Institute of Crime Prevention) at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort immediately following the conclusion of the IDA 20th Annual Meeting. Encouraging CPTED principles allows IDA to provide proven and effective techniques to dispel the persistent myth that more light (of any kind) leads to increased security. Information from IDA allows CPTED to present the case for dark sky friendly lighting as an alternative to adding “criminal friendly lighting” in the form of unnecessary spot lights and other glaring illumination points in high-crime areas. Many urban planners and architectural designers agree that well planned lighting adds charm, reduces energy consumption, and promotes ecological balance. The best hope to achieve a smartly lit community is to ordain shielded, glare-free fixtures during the planning and building phases. The idea that lighting choice may lower crime rates offers city planners one more reason to make good lighting a priority. IDA offers valuable assistance in this process not only by reaching wide audiences of city administrators and planning officials concerned with crime, but by integrating dark sky compliant lighting into a comprehensive system of crime prevention. Photographs by IDA Meeting News Nightscape Dark skies over Cherry Springs C herry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, USA is celebrating its designation as the second International Dark Sky Park (IDSP). Cherry Springs State Park, located far from cities among the forested plateaus of North Central Pennsylvania, miraculously remains nearly as natural as it was two centuries ago. Areas of the park are designated as no–light zones to protect owls, bats, and a host of indigenous mammals, as well as to let visitors’ eyes adapt fully to the dark. Astronomers and stargazers alike claim that Cherry Springs offers one of the last views of a starry sky in the eastern United States. Lighting control is part of an ongoing effort to retain the authentic and rugged nature of the experiences offered by the Pennsylvania Wilds tourism region, a 12-county region in north central and northwestern Pennsylvania that includes Allegheny National Forest. Cherry Springs has retrofitted all of their outdoor lights to be dark-sky friendly. Fully shielded light fixtures direct all light downward. These strategically placed luminaires, combined with electricity saving 13-watt compact fluorescent lamps, offer more than enough light for visibility, given the surrounding environment. The designation by IDA is the culmination of a novel effort that began in the late 1990’s by amateur astronomers, ecstatic that starry skies were still accessible in the eastern U.S. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) declared Cherry Springs a Dark Sky Site in the Commonwealth in 2000. By 2002, the park was providing regular stargazing programs for visitors that proved very popular. In 2003, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation recognized the importance of the night sky above Cherry Springs and aided in implementing a strategic vision for the park by furnishing telescope pads, observatories for rent, and educational materials, all designed to facilitate the enjoyment of the starry sky. The leadership demonstrated by the DCNR and Cherry Springs shows that protecting the view of the cosmos makes economic sense, preserves ecosystems, and maintains quality of life. “This designation is continued validation that this region has something special to offer to our visitors,” said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “We are proud of what we have protected, and hope our visitors will enjoy the remoteness of the Pennsylvania Wilds and Cherry Springs State Park for many years to come.” The IDSP program was established in 2006 by IDA to recognize excellence of leadership by custodians of public lands. Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah was the first park to receive the designation. The IDA is working with several other parks towards IDSP certification; criteria is available on the IDA Web site at www.darksky.org. Issue #73/74/ 2008 Astronomy News Photograph by Dave Wymer Further information on Cherry Springs State Park is available at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/cherrysprings.aspx or by contacting Chip Harrison at 814-435-5010. Cosmic impactyears 20 Special thanks to Dr. Tim Hunter for sharing his perspective and for providing the basis of the timeline. Thanks also to Connie Walker and Elizabeth Alvarez del Castillo for their suggestions and information. 1987 1988 1993 1995 ★ IDA Articles of Incorporation approved in Arizona. ★ IDA approved as 501(c)(3) by IRS. First annual meeting held. Bylaws approved. ★ International Astronomical Union (IAU) Colloquium No. 112 held. ★ Spanish government passes law protecting “Astronomical Quality” of observatories in the Canary Islands. ★ Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) formed to help protect migratory birds from urban lights as evidence of light pollution’s danger to wildlife mounts. ★ First Annual Belgian Night of Darkness organized in Belgium. Photograph by Dave Wymer IDA milestones in blue Light pollution abatement milestones in red 10 Feature Article Nightscape of night sky protection Stars cross I n 1950, the University of Chicago welcomed a precocious young scholarship winner to the student body. An avid reader, David L. Crawford was intrigued by the unanswered questions posed by the study of astronomy, especially the embryonic field of photometry. Dr. Crawford received his Ph.D. in astronomy in 1958, the year after Sputnik was launched and the National Science Foundation began. He accepted a two-year job at Vanderbilt University and spent the summers making observations. It is a tribute to his talent that he was invited to work at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory at Kitt Peak, located outside Tucson, Arizona, at the time of its establishment in 1959. Dr. Crawford worked at the Kitt Peak Observatory until 1995, becoming program manager for the powerful four-meter telescopes at Kitt Peak and in Chile, and managing a staff of 180. Meanwhile, his white papers on photometry and other subjects were becoming the basis for modern astronomy. But the scientists at Kitt Peak were facing a problem. The population of Tucson had grown exponentially in just a few decades, and lights from the city were starting to interfere 1997 ★ IDA opens current office and hires its first employee. ★ Nearly 1 million information sheets distributed by end of this year. ★ Development of Australian standard to control the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting. Issue #73/74/ 2008 with the observatory’s readings. Dr. Crawford partnered with fellow Kitt Peak astronomer Art Hoag to draft a light pollution ordinance for Tucson. He joined the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) committees on outdoor lighting. But unwanted light continued to spread. The same year that Dr. Crawford entered college, a small boy in Hagerstown, Indiana was falling in love with the sky. When his family relocated to Arlington Heights, Illinois, he gazed almost nightly through a four-inch telescope in his back yard. In those days, IDA co-founder Tim Hunter’s view of the stars was obscured mainly by the grove of leafy elm trees in his yard. Light pollution from the nearby city of Chicago was not yet a problem for Tim, or for Dr. Crawford, who was studying the same sky a few miles away. If growing up in the exciting age of scientific and technological discoveries led Tim Hunter to become a radiologist, he was no less influenced by the explorations of the Space Age, which opened the possibilities of a world previously unattainable. He never stopped drawing inspiration from the sky. After a 1998 1999 1999 ★ First European Symposium for Protection of the Night Sky held in Paris, France. ★ Thanks to the magazine Sky & Telescope, IDA’s successful membership drive yields more than 100 new members per day. IDA receives its first major donor. ★ Chile issues decree for light pollution regulation. ★ IDA receives Organizational Development Grant from National Science Foundation; grows by over 6,000 members over the next three years. ★ First IDA Section founded in California. ★ First international campaign to measure sky quality started for schoolchildren in Greece by Margarita Metaxa. ★ IES Recommended Practices manual RP-33 acknowledges skyglow in IES guidelines for the first time. ★ New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance (NMHPA) declares the New Mexico night sky as one of the state’s “Most Endangered” cultural resources. Feature Article 11 winding road of medical school, the military, and his radiology residency, he arrived in the astronomy-friendly city of Tucson, Arizona. But when he finally gained the wherewithal and time to become a serious amateur astronomer, he discovered that there were very few places left to view the stars. In 1985, an unexpected windfall allowed Dr. Hunter to purchase land for amateur observatory in remote Sonoita, Arizona. He began to notice that even this rural location offered less and less to see. Urban sprawl, population growth and irresponsible lighting had been stealthily contributing to starless areas all over the planet, even in places where the night sky was considered a valuable natural resource. The stars were disappearing, and fast. In 1986, the Tucson hospital where Dr. Hunter was employed switched its outdoor lighting to unshielded up-lights of low pressure sodium (LPS). Increasingly sensitive to the polluting effects of city light, he immediately investigated the cause of these eyesores. He learned that these lights had been installed at the hospital and all over the campus of the University of Arizona because the institution was trying to be astronomy compliant. Someone had recommended these fixtures as friendly to the nearby observatory at Kitt Peak. That someone was David L. Crawford. The big bang To say that the International Dark-Sky Association began over a lighting dispute isn’t too far from the truth. The nearly monochromatic emissions of LPS light were easy for professional astronomers with high-powered telescopes to filter. But to amateur astronomers and the general population, LPS lights were an unsightly nuisance. Lack of shielded fixtures available for LPS 2001 ★ IDA’s Model Lighting Ordinance group established. ★ Hoag-Robinson Award initiated. ★ Flagstaff, AZ USA becomes IDA’s first Dark Sky City. 12 Feature Article light presented a serious interference with nighttime ambiance. Dr. Crawford and Dr. Hunter started meeting regularly to look for a solution that preserved the heritage of the sky while meeting the overall needs of the community. Though their perspectives were different, each man utilized his background in science to address light pollution concerns in a systematic fashion. The more the duo discovered about nighttime lighting, the more the scope of the problem seemed to grow. Progressive lighting regulation was unheard of beyond a few pioneer cities. If a lighting ordinance existed in a given area, it was rarely enforced. Very little information on lighting was available to the public, and virtually none discussed control or regulation. Moreover, options for outdoor lighting fixtures that addressed light pollution were almost nonexistent. The idea of creating an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of the night sky emerged to both men as the first step in effecting change. Two events cemented the incorporation of IDA. Appropriately, one was the return of Comet Halley (known in lay circles as Halley’s comet). The appearance of this comet that comes around once in a lifetime gave people all over the world a reason to once again study the stars. The excitement sparked by Comet Halley led to a renewed public interest in astronomy and awakened people around the world to the consequences of unchecked city lights. Fred Schaff of New Jersey capitalized on this publicity and formed the Dark Skies for Comet Halley (DSCH) program, which initiated steps to combat light pollution. Closer to home, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) was growing rapidly. As an officer of the TAAA, Dr. Hunter helped incorporate the organization and establish 2002 2003 2005 ★ 50th issue of IDA’s newsletter published. ★ Czech Republic becomes the first country to enact national legislation with provisions aimed at prohibiting light pollution. ★ Edict stating all future IES Recommended Practices include guidelines on where not to light and “lighting zones” for cities. ★ Worldwide conference on effects of light on human health held in Orlando, Florida, USA. ★ IDA Membership passes 10,000. ★ Version one of IDA Section handbook published. ★ IDA Lighting Award given to Hungarian National Railway lighting project leaders for converting 16,000 high glare lights to fully shielded luminaires with 40 percent reduced power needs. ★ National Dark Sky Week founded, USA. ★ Light Pollution Project to monitor star count set up for schoolchildren between USA and Chile. ★ Estimated that more than 1,000 communities in USA have addressed light pollution through planning and zoning. Nightscape its tax-exempt status, handling the entire transaction with the Corporation Commission. Surprised by the straightforward nature of the paperwork, Dr. Hunter decided it was feasible to act on the idea discussed with Dr. Crawford and create an institution for the preservation of dark skies. In late 1987, an independent non-profit organization dedicated solely to fighting light pollution was officially incorporated. Experiments with names and acronyms led to the adoption of the International Dark-Sky Association, IDA for short. Determined to find solutions, IDA cultivated a cooperative approach that focused on public education and outreach programs. From the very beginning, IDA adopted Dr. Crawford’s philosophy of working with the lighting community to solve the problem of light pollution. An important continuing tenet of IDA’s philosophy is the belief that quality outdoor lighting does not harm the sky. Indeed, it contributes to nighttime security, recreation, and enjoyment. Collaboration with lighting groups can create products that enhance the nighttime environment for everyone. Another goal of the organization is to raise awareness of the multitude of problems adversely affecting the sky, especially environmental impacts that have the potential to destroy our view of the universe. Building an international coalition from the ground up is no easy task. Undaunted, David Crawford took on the role of Executive Director. IDA’s first headquarters were Dr. Crawford’s Tucson home, where he and his wife Mary kept the organization growing by sheer dedication and perseverance. They wrote, printed, and mailed the first incarnation of the newsletter, kept track of membership, and advocated for IDA at speaking engagements around the world. In 1988, Dr. Crawford helped organize a four day meeting on light pollution, radio interference, and space debris to be held in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The success of this meeting helped put IDA on the map. Meanwhile, Dr. Hunter started giving talks on light pollution and IDA wherever he could. In 1989, he established a quarterly column on IDA for the Reflector, the official journal of the Astronomical League, where it continues to this day. Tim also introduced the IDA to Robert Gent, an unstoppable volunteer who has shaped IDA since its beginning, serving as spokesman, board president, and in a host of other capacities. Bob has worked untold hours, given innumerable talks, and traveled around the world on IDA’s behalf. Dr. Hunter jokes that every time he sees Mr. Gent, he expects to hear Oliver Hardy’s words to Stan Laurel: “This is another fine mess you have gotten me into.” Onward and upward Twenty years later, IDA connects leaders on every frontier of dark sky preservation. The ability and dedication of early staff, tireless volunteers, and generous donors has helped illuminate the consequences of light pollution and devise ways to eradicate it. IDA’s message gains momentum every day. Information received from environmental groups, lighting manufacturers, lawmakers, physicists, astronomers, and human health experts is assimilated into a solid platform in favor of dark skies. Around the globe, advocates are given the tools to change the sky over their community one fixture at a time. The worldwide dedication of talented volunteers and a continued focus on education, outreach, and activism has made IDA the nexus of the fight to protect the stars. 2006 2007 2008 2009 ★ Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, USA designated as first International Dark Sky Park. ★ IDA’s Model Lighting Ordinance group forms partnership with Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). ★ UK Parliament passes law declaring light pollution a nuisance. ★ GLOBE at Night established as a worldwide project where schoolchildren track and measure star counts. ★ IDA Board of Directors formally approves regions in Europe, Northeast (N. America), and Asia-Pacific. ★ Mont Mégantic in Quebec, Canada recognized as First International Dark Sky Reserve. ★ Slovenia passes national law to control light pollution. ★ The City of Flagstaff, AZ, USA celebrates 50 years of dark sky legislation. Local businesses partner with astronomical groups to provide special events and publicity for the first dark sky legislation in the world. ★ Estimated that over 2,500 cities in the USA have addressed light pollution through planning and zoning. ★ The International Year of Astronomy will include worldwide events to engage and educate the public on the wonders of the night. Issue #73/74/ 2008 Feature Article 13 Notes from David L. Crawford Co-founder Dave Crawford has stepped down from IDA management to enjoy a well-deserved retirement with his wife, Mary. He has lovingly chosen that his final administrative communication be used to express thanks to his wife of over 45 years. C onsider my wonderful wife, Mary Crawford, mother of three daughters and grandmother of seven, still finding time to help me in every endeavor and accomplish her own goals. She returned to college as our children matured to receive her nursing degree. After working in critical care and as part of the heart transplant team at Tucson, Arizona’s University Medical Center, she became a therapist specializing in biofeedback. She experienced magical successes with many clients, including a high success rate in non-smoking classes. She was drawn to volunteer work and served as two-time president and as secretary/treasurer of a state nursing society for some years. She discontinued her career to become a full time IDA volunteer, and her participation in those early days was crucial to IDA’s success. During her nearly 20 years on the IDA Board of Directors she became a leading voice of the management team. She served as board secretary/treasurer for most of that time, where she handled all of the bank and investment work. Time and again she rose to the call of duty, even when the agenda dictated tedious and physical drudge work. A master planner, Mary was in charge of IDA’s annual meetings for 18 years. Her efficiency created a blueprint for subsequent meeting plans. Her skills as an organizer led to success in IDA’s involvement in the international CIE San Diego meeting and others. Long active on IES and CIE committees, she continues her involvement with CIE. Over the years, Mary’s dedication to IDA has been outpaced only by my own. We put our whole energies into supporting IDA’s early growth. It fills us with pride to see the effective organization it has become. Mary, myself, and all three daughters remain enthusiastic lifetime members. I look at my wife and see her accomplishments as a labor of love for the mission and for IDA. She has been a tower of support for the organization from day one, and for me, too! I couldn’t have done it without her, and cannot thank her enough. Feature Article I DA has come a long way over the past 20 years, and grows more prominent every day. After some thought, I decided that it would be a good time for me to step down as president, board member, and staff volunteer. IDA is in excellent hands. Board president Chris Monrad has held the position before and has done a great job at it. We have a talented and enthusiastic board of directors. And none of us could ever thank board member Chris Walker enough for generously giving us the ability to grow IDA at unprecedented rates. We are all indebted to him for making us the powerful voice we are today. In early years, Dave Crawford and Tim Hunter had the vision to form IDA and the will to stay and make it grow despite limited funding. Now we have a highly competent staff to handle the daily operations. Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Hospodarsky is very talented at organizational development, presenting many good ideas. Anabel Gray, our office manager, is one of the very sharpest people I’ve ever met. I am so impressed with the entire staff that I have no doubt that IDA will continue to grow and succeed. Internationally, our regions continue to prosper. In 2006, the UK parliament passed a law declaring light pollution can be declared a nuisance. Slovenia’s 2007 law is another major step forward. The media attention from all this progress is enlightening and most helpful to our cause. With the high price of energy and the environmental impacts of excessive consumption, energy conservation is more important than ever. Milt Roney, our tireless liaison in DC, contributed to the unprecedented success of the recent U.S. Congressional briefings. The opportunities for growth are unbounded. The annual meeting was a big success. I know, because I received many reports of how nicely it was organized. I missed seeing everyone, but I was busy exploring national parks. It was ever so relaxing to experience the beauty of Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and so much more. At long last, my wife Terrie and I were able to hike into the narrows of Paria Canyon, a part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Wilderness. I bid you all the very best in whatever endeavors you undertake. I will always remain a strong supporter of dark skies, and I remain your friend. Never stop reaching for the stars. Sincerely, Dr. David L. Crawford Co-founder of IDA Robert L. Gent Past IDA Board President Photo by Terrie Gent Photographs by IDA 14 Notes from Robert L. Gent Nightscape Every year many volunteers worldwide show remarkable dedication and initiative in protection of the night. IDA acknowledges the brightest stars of 2008 The George & Edythe Taylor Student Award Executive Director Awards Executive Director Awards recognize volunteers who consistently rise above the call of duty to increase awareness of dark skies. INACAP—Instituto Nacional de CAPacitatcion (National Job Training Institute) Their early installation of dark sky friendly fixtures nearly a decade ago set the example for proper shielding near the international observatories in Chile and paved the way for the implementation of similar fixtures. Joe Frannea is now president of Southern Arizona IDA Section. He has been instrumental in providing local outreach, including hosting a booth at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Susan Harder has been a full time dark sky advocate since 1998 and is an inspirational Section Leader for IDA New York. Charlotte McGowan has provided assistance, insight, and guidance on almost every IDA event in the past year. Milt Roney has advocated tirelessly on the national political scene since joining IDA last year, serving as the primary DC contact and technical speaker during the recent Congressional briefings on light pollution and presenting at the Smithsonian Museum. Aaron Reid is a member of IDA Colorado who never says “no” when called to assist. Over the past year Aaron has served as co-leader to the IDA Colorado Section and is participating in the EarthWorks Denver show. Dr. Duco Schreuder has been instrumental in the CIE and to limit sky glow in the Netherlands since the 1970’s. He is the co-author of the Light Pollution Handbook, currently the most extensive book on light pollution. Other entities recognized for increasing public awareness of dark skies are IDA San Diego; Ben Harder, US News & World Report; and David Owens, New Yorker. Issue #73/74/ 2008 Photographs by IDA The George & Edythe Taylor Student Award encourages students to explore the worldwide problem of light pollution through science, technology, society, and the environment. Sarah Davis, 8th Grade, of Pine-Strawberry Elementary School in Pine, Arizona, USA garnered the Student Award for her project “Star Light, Star Bright,” which attempts to produce a more efficient lamp using red light. Miss Davis’ project, submitted by Stacy Flanagan, has also received a silver medal in the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair in the Environmental Science and Management category. Dave Crawford and Jack Sales. David L. Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award The David L. Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award was established this year to commemorate Dr. Crawford’s indelible mark on the preservation of the nighttime sky. It is presented to individuals, such as Dr. Crawford, who in their lifetime have contributed an extraordinary effort to light pollution abatement. Jack Sales is the first recipient of this honor. Jack is the founder and current leader of the first IDA Section, IDA California, and a past board member. He brought IDA into the technical age as the first IDA webmaster. His current Web site, www.skykeepers.org, tracks the movements of his and other local sections. Jack and his wife, Beverly, have traveled the coast of California to advocate for local lighting ordinances. For these efforts, Jack received the 2007 Sacramento Environmental Commission Award. Hoag-Robinson Award Named in honor of two pioneers in outdoor lighting reform, the Hoag-Robinson Award honors an individual who has been outstanding in advocating for lighting control ordinances. Friedel Pas is a full time volunteer and the IDA European Liaison Officer. Friedel has worked tirelessly to help promote the message of IDA in Europe. He has increased IDA membership within his country of Belgium Friedel Pas and is a primary organizer of the Belgian Night of Darkness, an annual celebration currently in its 13th year. IDA Awards 15 Book Review Photograph by Christopher Baddiley Towards Understanding Skyglow ©2007 by the Institute of Lighting Engineers I n his recently published book Towards Understanding Skyglow, Dr. Christopher Baddiley discusses the implications of his newly developed computer model of city glow from artificial light. This model uses luminaire photometry to calculate more precise estimations of lumen output, achieving an unprecedented level of sensitivity in the measurements. This method also reveals how different types of light interact with the atmosphere, enabling lighting experts and city planners to determine the effects of a variety of different lighting options. The text concludes with recommendations on how to efficiently minimize skyglow in cities and rural areas. Dr. Baddiley’s model allows one to compare impact on skyglow by various luminaires or lighting installations. This highly technical discourse provides numerous calculations to illustrate the findings. His model not only looks at the luminaire’s beam distribution, but also considers lamp type and spectral distribution. Dr. Baddiley summarizes the major features of skyglow for rural locations to be: • Skyglow seen at a distance is the sum of the scattering from all luminaire lit air molecules and air particles along the line of sight. • For luminaires that have a direct uplight, the skyglow from the direct uplight far exceeds that from the ground reflection. • At long viewing distances, light emitted in the 80 –100° zone contributes at least 10 times more to skyglow than ground reflection. • Along with road surface, the reflected light from the surrounding grass and other surfaces are a significant contributor to skyglow. • Lower cutoff angles produce less skyglow. • The worst contributors to skyglow (in the UK) are unshielded low pressure sodium (LPS) fixtures. Dr. Baddiley concludes that light emitted at or near the horizontal (90°) plane is the most critical contributor to skyglow. This fact is notable because horizontal light is implicated more than direct uplight in the accumulation of skyglow, indicating the need for full shielding. He goes on to recommend the IDA common sense approach to lighting: put the light only where you need it; use only the amount you really need; turn the lights off when not needed. Anyone interested in light pollution and the science behind the causes of skyglow would find this book to be an excellent reference. 16 Book Review Meets Turtle es! d Lighting Co Starry Night Lights Protecting our heritage of star filled skies. Night Sky Friendly Outdoor Lighting Products www.StarryNightLights.com 877•604•7377 Nightscape Section News New Sections IDA New Hampshire USA David Speltz 597 Sagamore Ave, Unit 108 Porstmouth, NH 03801 617-571-8000 dspeltz@speltz.com IDA Maine USA Martha Sheils 44 Woodmont St. Portland, ME 04102 207-772-6862 IDA Vermont USA W. Terry Kennaugh 24 Chateaugay Rd. Shelbourne, VT 05482 802-985-9031 tkennaugh@comcast.net Europe Slovenia Photograph by Andrej Mohar Note the absence of glare from the lights in the background in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Sever al hundred luminaires in the Balkan city of Ljubljana have been replaced in accordance with the breakthrough 2007 Slovene light pollution law. The exemplary regulations called for 150W totally shielded luminaires to replace 250W luminaires, decreasing glare and energy consumption while maintaining the same illumination on the streets. Andrej Mohar, IDA Slovenia Section Leader, stated via e-mail that the “Slovene light pollution law helped a lot to reduce not only wasted light directly to the sky but also to reduce power consumption, and of course we have now less glare.” Andrej indicated that the lighting situation has vastly improved the city’s ambiance, Issue #73/74/ 2008 and is followed by small businesses and architects just 6 months after its adoption. The change is obvious in this depiction of Tivolska Road, where the harsh glare of the fixtures in the foreground of the picture is improved by gentle illumination of the new fixtures in the background. North America Sedona, Arizona Photograph by Cara Capella Comet Hale-Bopp over Bell Rock in Sedona, Arizona, USA. Dark-sky proponents scored a major victory when the Arizona DOT proposal for 76 high pressure streetlights on Sedona’s picturesque Route 89A was resoundingly rejected in a City Council vote of 5-2. IDA Sedona/Verde Valley Section Leader Cliff Ochser and community advocate Doug Blackwell were selected as members of the 89A Pedestrian Safety Panel, established after community outcries against the threatened “river of light” forced the City Council to explore other options to improve the safety of the road. Cliff took immediate action, harnessing public opinion by helping to generate a survey of the community, which showed 85 percent to be strongly against the proposed street lights. Public awareness of the problem soared, as did appreciation for dark skies over Sedona. Armed with community opinion and the fact that other safety improvements were substantially more effective, Cliff successfully fought to eliminate the worst kind of lighting for a naturally beautiful place. California Renewed congratulations to Jack Sales, founder of IDA California and first recipient of the David L. Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award, for winning the prestigious 2007 Sacramento Environmental Commission Award. He was nominated by Terry and Art Maxwell, who knew Jack fit the criteria of “providing leadership toward the protection and enhancement of the environment in the Greater Sacramento Community.” Jack’s commitment to preserving the night sky has been exemplary. Last year Jack presented county decision makers and planners with hundreds of signatures requesting that the subject of light pollution be included in an updated general plan. His current Web site, www.skykeepers.org, provides an invaluable wealth of information on proper night lighting, current events, articles, and actions relevant to limiting artificial night lighting. Hawaii IDA Hawaii Section Leader Howard Wiig has initiated a dialogue with Department of Transportation officials to install energy-saving, dark-sky compliant, solar powered street lights. He is currently creating an economic model which shows that the higher cost of the solar powered lights can be recouped by eliminating the cost of trenching to hook up to the grid. Mr. Wiig would appreciate comments and insight by anyone with experience in this field. Please send responses to hwiig@dbedt.hawaii.gov. Pennsylvania The Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council (POLC) and IDA Pennsylvania, in cooperation with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), conducted a very successful outdoor-lighting workshop on June 25, 2008. Cherry Springs State Park Operations Manager Harry Harrison and his wife, Maxine, organized the event to celebrate Cherry Springs’ recent designation as an International Dark Sky Park. The workshop emphasized control of outdoor lighting as an important component of retaining the authenticity and unspoiled allure of the 12-county PA Wilds region where the park is located. Held in Coudersport, PA, the workshop educated DCNR Sections News 17 representatives, county commissioners and planners, municipal supervisors, planning commission personnel, and interested citizens on environmental consequences of bad lighting, a description of good and bad lighting, the safety, security, visibility and aesthetic aspects of lighting, and the importance of having an effective lighting ordinance in place before developers appear. Stan Stubbe, POLC President, and other IDA PA Section members have been active in other areas as well, recently securing a variety of legislation designed to protect the nighttime environment. Washington DC Washington, DC liaison Milt Roney and volunteer Dr. William Pala shared the night sky with visitors from all over the world through a presentation at the Smithsonian Museum in April. Milt stood by an IDA poster display of his own creation and interacted with over 100 families. Dr. Pala gave a presentation on public safety lighting using a 24 inch monitor and a home computer. Milt, a 2008 recipient of the IDA Executive Director Award, says he’s involved in IDA “because I think the time is limited when we’ll be able to run away from light pollution.” He was instrumental in orchestrating the IDA Congressional briefings held on June 20, and July 25, 2008. Dr. Pala is active in the Virginia Outdoor Lighting Taskforce (VOLT), and helped with the Fairfax County Lighting Ordinance. He also gives talks promoting the IDA mission to local civic groups. Transitions Arthur C. Clarke Imagineers young and old felt the loss of a hero and visionary when Sir Arthur C. Clarke passed away on March 18, 2008 in Sri Lanka. The 90 year old pioneer of the science fiction genre and author of the groundbreaking novel 2001: A Space Odyssey is mourned by 18 Transitions Photograph by Rohan de Silva Arthur C. Clarke with his Celestron telescope. family, fans, and fellow authors. Writers such as Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game) and Charles Stross (Saturn’s Children) are among many who testified to Clarke’s epic influence on their lives and work. Members of all facets of the space program remember Clarke as the inspiration behind their careers. He is credited with the idea for communications satellites and many additional innovations. His work remains the foundation of numerous advancements in the way we view time and space. For some people the sky’s the limit; for Clarke it was a starting point. A strong supporter of the IDA and its message, he became IDA’s first lifetime member in 1992. Ultimately, Clarke was a true visionary who looked to the sky and saw possibilities beyond the stars and past the technological parameters of his time. His legacy is continued by the awarding of the Arthur C. Clarke Prize, designated by the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, to 18-year old James House on March 20, 2008. To read a full biography and testimonials on his life, visit www.clarkefoundation.org or www.space.com. Werner K. Adrian Dr. Werner Adrian, a highly respected member of the lighting community, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Dr. Adrian held six patents and published 120 articles in technical journals. His ideas provided the impetus for many current roadway safety conventions. With Dr. Johan Enzmann, he developed the first computer program to calculate roadway luminescence, still used as the design metric for roadway lighting design. His concerns regarding tunnel safety led him to develop a description of the state of vision adaptation of observers approaching a tunnel in daytime. This description serves as the basis for guidelines on tunnel lighting around the world. His interest in human health led him to invent protective aids that slow or halt the progressive blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa. He also studied discomfort glare, suggesting a measuring system called the Glare Control Mark, equivalent veiling luminance, and TI (threshold increment) metrics. A longtime member of the Illuminating Engineering Society North America (IESNA) and the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE), he received the CIE certificate in 2007 and the prestigious IES Medal Award in 2005. A curious and engaging man who was greatly loved by his family, friends and students, his loss will be deeply felt by the optical community and in circles well beyond. Meeting news continued from page 4 goal to replace existing streetlights with LED systems. A document scheduled for publication in late July will contain criteria for LED streetlights. However, several manufacturers are already providing exquisitely designed LED products that are now part of IDA’s Fixture Seal of Approval program. Don’t be surprised to see LED streetlights soon coming to a neighborhood near you. Sarasota, FL USA The Roadway Lighting Committee (RLC) of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America met from March 12–15 in Sarasota, Florida. The meeting was attended by IDA Technical Advisor Scott Davis and IDA Board Member Leo Smith, both members of the RLC. Incoming President of the IESNA, Ron Gibbon, challenged the RLC to update its Recommended Practices as soon as possible to include energy saving technologies such as LEDs. IDA staffers gave input on how the implementation of these emerging technologies can coincide with dark sky preservation. Nightscape NO, IT’S NOT A UFO. BUT ITS UNEQUALED PERFORMANCE MAY BE JUST AS STARTLING. Musco’s Newest Innovation... Light-Structure Green™ reduces your sportslighting operating cost by 50% or more with less energy consumption, cuts spill light by 50% and eliminates 100% of your maintenance costs for the next 25 years. We guarantee it! Light-Structure Green includes Musco’s Constant 25™ warranty which provides 25 years of carefree lighting equipment operation including guaranteed light levels, maintenance, group lamp replacements, monitoring and remote on/off control services. From foundation to poletop, Light-Structure Green makes your sports-lighting projects fast, trouble-free and now more affordable than ever. Call, email or check our website today for details. Unequaled performance . . . for your budget, for the environment. Contact Us Today. 800-825-6030 www.musco.com e-mail: lighting@musco.com ©2008 Musco Lighting · ADIDS08-1 Join IDA The international dark-Sky Association By mail 3225 N. First Ave., Tucson AZ 85719-2103, USA By Phone 520-293-3198 By faxOnline 520-293-3192 www.darksky.org Contact information ^ name ^ organization ^ mailing address ^ mailing address 2 ^ e-mail address TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP OR DONATION MEMBERSHIP‡ gift or contribution amount: $ $50 gift membership or memorial contribution $100 $250 $500 for: $1,000 $5,000 from: $10,000 ‡ new membership Other $ renewing membership‡ PAYMENT METHOD ❏ check (payable to IDA) ❏ credit card all (IDA accepts major credit cards) ‡Membership dues are annual unless otherwise indicated. ^ telephone number ★ ★ Donations of $100 or more will be listed in our annual report. Please contact IDA for a customized corporate sponsorship package. Credit Card Information ^ card number ^ expiration ^ cardholder ^ signature Thank you for your support. Your IDA membership is considered a tax-exempt donation. INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY ASSOCIATION 3225 N FIRST AVE TUCSON AZ 85719-2103 USA Organization US Postage Paid Tucson, AZ Permit No. 1902 IDA members, please check your mailing label for your membership renewal date. Return Service Requested Non-Profit Is your mailing address and e-mail up to date? If not, please update your information at IDA’s Web site at www.darksky.org.