INTRODUCTION

  I have been a keen amateur astronomer for over 30 years and I always try to introduce my friends to the beauty of the night sky. When I was in Morocco I was struck by the number of stars which were visible and how the Milky Way really was seen as a band of light stretching across the night sky. I deplore the erosion of the starry night sky, which has occurred over the last 50 years in the UK, in both urban and rural areas, as a result of badly aimed and unregulated lights, both public and private. I am 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. I deplore 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). I 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 a view?

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. From my house I can see examples of office buildings, which remain brightly lit even though they are empty at night. Where are these so-called guidelines? If they exist, they are being ignored everywhere.

  I urge the Science and Technology Committee to use its influence to steer Parliament along the road to a solution of the problems light pollution causes. It is high time for real action and regulation, or children will only be able to look at the stars in picture books or on computers screens by the year 2100 and never see with their own unassisted eyes the beauty of the night sky.

21 April 2003