INTRODUCTION

  The Wessex Astronomical Society is one of the largest astronomical organisations in southern England, with 120 members. Its members deplore the erosion of the starry night sky which has occurred over the last fifty years in the UK, in both urban and rural areas, as a result of badly aimed and unregulated lights, both public and private. We, the committee of the Society, with the full support of the society's members, are writing to the select Committee to voice that concern and to urge the committee to play their part in regaining that part of the environment which has no protection at present.

Question 1.  What has been the impact of light pollution on UK astronomy?

  Since the middle of the twentieth century, the night sky has gradually been invaded by waste upward light, to the extent that there is practically nowhere in the United Kingdom today where a truly dark night sky can be seen. The Society deplores the effects upon amateur astronomy of both skyglow (the glow in the sky caused by wasted upward light) and light trespass (the shining of lights across property boundaries, disturbing the enjoyment and tranquillity of the night for neighbours). We believe that a well lit environment is compatible with a reasonable view of the stars. It is not only professional astronomers who are driven from their traditional observing sites by skyglow and light trespass. Amateurs often travel many miles to escape stray light, in order to find a darker environment—but such places are becoming harder to find nowadays.

  Amateurs still play a great part in original astronomical research, and the discovery of comets and supernovae, and original image work, are largely in the amateur field. Also, a view of the night sky has often been the inspiration for a scientific career. Will tomorrow's young people be robbed of such an opportunity?

Question 2.  Are current planning guidelines strong enough to protect against light pollution?

Question 3.  Are planning guidelines being applied and enforced effectively?

  A short drive around urban and rural areas at night will confirm that there is a continuing proliferation of poorly aimed and too-bright lighting. Where are these so-called guidelines? If they exist, they are being ignored everywhere. Some of our members report a lack of action when complaining about lighting problems hampering observation, because environmental and planning departments claim that "there is nothing they can do".

Question 4.  Is light measurable in such a way as to make legally enforceable regulatory controls feasible?

  Instruments exist which can measure light levels. Star counts will verify whether the sky is visible to such an extent that a reasonable amount of astronomical observation is feasible. The major UK astronomical bodies (British Astronomical Association, Royal Astronomical Society) can advise on this.

Question 5.  Are further controls on the design of lighting necessary?

  Yes. We support the British Astronomical Association's statement that:

"Cut-off lighting, with bulbs mounted well up inside the casing and a flat glass or nearly flat glass below, should be the norm on Britain's roads and streets. The Highways Agency's policy of installing such lights on trunk roads is welcomed by the Association, but far too many wasteful lamps are still manufactured and installed in other places. The advent of good-quality lighting as a norm cannot of course become a reality overnight, but an evolution towards this end will do much towards reclaiming the stars for the people of this country. The Czech Republic embarked upon a similar course in 2002. Unshielded globe lights and designs which deliberately send their emissions above the horizontal should be phased out, as should the ubiquitous 500 watt domestic security lamp which is many times brighter than needed".

  The night sky is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a site of special scientific interest, even if it is not so designated officially. It should have the same level of protection as any other part of our environment, enforced by regulation.

  If the Czech Republic can pass a law to protect its citizens' view of their birthright above, surely the UK can do it too. We urge the Select Committee to help give the stars the protection they need.

March 2003