NSF’s NOIRLab and the American Astronomical Society hosted the SATCON1 workshop in July to study the detrimental effects of satellite constellations on astronomical observations. The SATCON1 Press Release and Report with recommendations on mitigation are now available on-line. UM’s Pat Seitzer was a section leader.
Category: Technology
Maui streetlights may endanger wildlife
A project to install new LED streetlights on Maui failed to consider the environmental impact in violation of state law. The color is harmful to sea turtles and birds, among other wildlife.
SpaceX Mitigating Satellite Constellations
SpaceX has “committed to making future satellite designs as dark as possible.” They are working with the astronomy community to mitigate the visibility of their satellite constellation, as described HERE.
New Detroit sign ordinance to release flood of digital billboards
Detroit is positioned to adopt a new sign ordinance that would blanket the city with out-of-control digital signs and billboards. It will permit new electronic and video signage in almost every corner of the city, flooding the skies with light. Learn more and register your disapproval via Scenic Michigan’s campaign.
AAS Working Group on Satellite Constellations
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) Public Policy staff worked with the AAS Committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris to form a working group meant to interface between the astronomical scientific community and SpaceX. The working group includes UM’s Pat Seitzer.
LSST threatened by SpaceX satellites
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, the next major US ground-based astronomical infrastructure project, may be compromised by SpaceX and other satellite swarms.
Good vs Bad LED streetlights
Flagstaff, AZ has found options for LED streetlights that minimize the blue-rich color component: How Flagstaff, Arizona, switched to LEDs without giving astronomers a headache.
“Brighter, no glare headlights are coming”
“Smart” adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights are already in use in other parts of the world. Supposedly they know how to cut glare, but they are on high beams by default.
Moon Towers: Detroit’s First Light Pollution
Detroit’s first public electric lighting consisted of “moon towers.” Light pollution from the get-go.
https://detroitisit.com/but-first-the-moon-a-tale-of-the-detroit-skyline/
Fake moons: the ultimate light pollution?
China is exploring using artificial satellites for street lighting.