The Norman Lockyer Observatory is one of the larger working optical observatories in the United Kingdom and enjoys a relatively dark sky site in mainland Britain. A more detailed report on the Observatory and the effect of light pollution is enclosed (see Annex), but in this letter I offer my personal opinion on the specific questions to be addressed by the Select Committee.

  1.  The United Kingdom affords inefficient sites for astronomical observation compared with those funded elsewhere because:

—  The latitude limits view of the sky, whereas observatories near the equator can observe both hemispheres.

—  Britain's oceanic climate limits opportunities for observation.

—  Light pollution coupled with other forms of pollution rarely permit a truly clear sky.

  2.  Current rules do not allow authorities to rectify errors made in the past. The Observatory was not used for astronomical research between 1963 and 1989, during which period local light pollution increased considerably. Responsible authorities do not seem to apply existing guidelines equally.

  3.  I am aware of instances where retrospective consent has been granted after the installation of lanterns that do not conform to the best standards. In some instances the supplier and/or installer gave advice on selection of lanterns; perhaps, there was a conflict of interest as suppliers have a natural concern to sell as many lanterns as possible. It is difficult for planning committees to contradict or challenge the advice of such "experts".

  4.  As light pollution affects photographic and spectral work of observatories, it should be measurable. However, the back scattering of polluting light from the sky depends on particles present in the atmosphere. Ice crystals form in the upper atmosphere and mist or haze at lower altitudes. Atmospheric particles derive from industrial, traffic and aircraft exhausts, smoke from domestic and accidental fires, pollen, salt, soil and dust from industrial and natural sources. Fortunately, the Observatory enjoys a relatively clean westerly air stream from the Atlantic. While the upwards emission of light from a city is roughly constant or increases only slowly, the amount of wasted light energy scattered back by the sky varies with the weather, season, wind direction and other factors. Measurements of sky clarity need to be conducted over a sustained period.

  5.  New explicit guidelines and controls seem necessary to ensure that non-polluting fittings are easily available, particularly for outdoor domestic use. A large local DIY store was recently noticed to carry stocks of nine different patterns of outdoor lanterns of which only one approached the desired standard or gave instructions on correct fitting.

  I have enclosed a more detailed paper with photographic evidence (not printed). However, the Observatory believes that the most pressing reason for improvement and regulation of outdoor lighting is the benefit to the saving in energy.