Globe at Night Campaign Begins!

Light pollution is a growing problem. It is wasteful and eats up non-renewable resources such as oil and coal like cars sitting in a traffic jam. The International Dark‐Sky Association defines light pollution as “any adverse effect of artificial light, including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste.” Pollution like this hinder scientists in their work, sea turtles and birds from navigation, and city dwellers from enjoying the starry night sky.

So what can you do about light pollution? If you’re a homeowner, make sure all of your outdoor lights are fully shielded (i.e. the light doesn’t shine above the horizon) and place timers/motion sensors on lights that stay lit for long periods of time. (These two things are responsible for about 70% of all light pollution). You can also participate in the 5th annual global campaign to measure night sky brightness known as GLOBE at Night. Starting today (March 3rd), GLOBE at Night provides participants an opportunity to go outside and observe the constellation Orion. I’ve done it myself for the last two years and it’s very easy:

1. Choose a clear, moonless night during March 3rd and 16th, between 8 and 10pm local time.
2. Match what you see in your portion of the sky with one of 7 GLOBE Magnitude Charts.
3. Report your observations into the GLOBE at Night Web site.

That’s all there is to it!

Here’s more from the site:

GLOBE at Night helps students become aware of Earth as a system while observing the atmosphere and learning that what we do on Earth affects the skies above. Participation in GLOBE at Night is open to anyone in the world to get outside and look skyward during 3‐16 March. You can enter your observations on the GLOBE at Night Report web page from 3‐31 March.
Participation does not require any special training or instruction. The GLOBE at Night Web site provides all the information needed to participate, including instruction guides for teachers, students and parents.
There is no cost to participate in GLOBE at Night. Please share information about GLOBE at Night with anyone who might be interested. Color postcards and one‐page flyers are available on the Web site for you to distribute. In 2009, citizen scientists from 70 countries submitted over 15,000 observations. Help us top that in 2010!

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