IAU General Assembly Session WG6: EC WG on Dark & Quiet Sky Protection

Time

Title

13:00–15:00

Commission B7 Business Meeting

B7 Members have the opportunity to steer the direction of the Commission for the next three years. The more voices, the more we can focus on a pathway ahead.

Time

Speaker

Title

10:00

Poster Session

(Titles for Lightning Poster Talks listed in WG6-1 and WG6-1b)

10:30

10:30

Connie Walker

Welcome, Overview, Housekeeping

10:35

James Lowenthal

AAS+IAU = D&QS: National and International Activities to Protect Dark and Quiet Skies by the AAS Committee to Protect Astronomy and the Space Environment

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Spurred by the advent of large low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations and building on our history of combatting ground-based light pollution, radio interference, and space debris, the American Astronomical Society’s Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE) has experienced a significant burst of growth and activity in the last five years. Its vision is a Society whose members constitute a visible presence and an effective voice in the effort to protect dark and quiet skies and the integrity of the space environment for the future of astronomy and for humanity. COMPASSE members are working hard to educate astronomers, industry leaders, elected officials, and the public about the critical importance of protecting the sky for astronomy, human health and cultural heritage, and the environment, and to defend space as part of that environment. This presentation will summarise those activities and plans for the near future. We are active in promoting sensible regulation at the local, state, national, and UN levels. We have briefed federal agencies and offices from the White House to Congress to the Departments of State, Commerce and Defense. We have developed outreach and educational programs and materials. We collaborate with an ever-broader circle of partners with mutual interests in preserving dark and quiet skies, and we aim to forge closer connections and build effective partnerships with our international friends and colleagues through the IAU. The sky urgently needs our help, and we are eager to work with the growing global movement to protect it.

10:43

Q&A

10:45

Carol Nyaguthii

Innovative Strategies for Astronomical Conservation: A Dark Sky Preservation Initiative in Kenya (Nyaguthii)

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The Kenyan Chapter of DarkSky focuses on the preservation of natural darkness in the Kenyan context, with an approach combining community engagement and policy advocacy. Initiating the plan, community involvement through citizen science for light pollution mapping aims to cultivate awareness at the grassroots level. Concurrently, International Dark Sky Places designations, mapping of the region for light pollution measurements, and advocacy for robust policies underscore our commitment to aligning conservation efforts with sustainability, development goals, and human well-being.

Furthermore, by integrating light pollution measurements into our comprehensive approach, we not only address the immediate concerns of community engagement and policy advocacy but also contribute valuable data for the identification of ideal locations for astronomical observations.

A central component of our strategy involves pioneering pilot projects in outdoor lighting evaluation. The subsequent presentation of these projects, along with proposed corrective measures, to local authorities aims to establish a foundation for a sustainable implementation plan. Our focus on collaboration with lighting professionals, urban developers, and urban planners positions this initiative as a model for integrating conservation with urban development in a balanced manner.

As the first DarkSky Chapter in the region, our collaborative efforts with the Kenya Wildlife Conservation Association signify a leadership role in advocating for dark sky preservation. Furthermore, fostering a dialogue on sustainable practices aims to preserve natural darkness as a desirable outcome not only for the astronomy community but for the well-being of the entire ecosystem.

10:53

Q&A

10:55

Connie Walker

Dark Skies Protection at NSF NOIRLab Observatory Sites in Chile

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Since the introduction of urban illumination more than a century ago, the visibility of the pristine starry night sky has been gradually fading. A next step in the protection of the night sky for NSF NOIRLab observatory sites in Chile was to form an Office of Observatory Site Protection (OOSP).

The OOSP has a few key areas of focus on which the Dark Skies Protection (DSP) Research Group works. During the last few years, the DSP Group, alongside the Office for the Protection of the Skies of Chile (OPCC), has been working with communities near the observatories to light responsibly, to reduce the sky glow seen from Cerro Pachón and Cerro Tololo, and improve the effectiveness of the lights in the communities and incorporate energy savings. The OPCC has 20 years of experience working with the municipalities on lighting laws and lighting evaluations and replacement recommendations and is a partnership between major optical observatories in Chile.

The DSP group also provides, at consistent intervals, quantitative measurements of the night sky brightness at NOIRLab locations. Led by OPCC, the group has completed an external lighting inventory at NOIRLab locations. Led by the University of La Serena, the group is involved in the installation of a regional network of light pollution measuring devices. They have also engaged the public in light pollution awareness activities.

During our presentation we will discuss our current and future efforts to monitor and minimise light pollution around NOIRLab facilities, so their full scientific potential can be realised.

11:03

Q&A

11:05

Jake Noel-Storr

KID: EU Interreg North-Sea Light Pollution Monitoring

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The aim of the KID project was to develop methods for a long-term measurement network of sky brightness in the trilateral Wadden Sea region. For this purpose two pilot locations have been chosen in each of the three participating countries (NL, GE, DK) representing a dark and a light-polluted sky. Additionally a measurement platform has been set up on a mobile observatory offering easy comparison of different detectors under varying skies. In the project so far we have tested 13 different detectors ranging from single channel devices (SQM, TESS, TASS, SG-WAS), RGB- orb/w-camera based systems (SQC, RP, Ricoh-Theta, Oculus), meteor camera systems (Allsky7, Fripon)and pure spectral systems (Alpy 600, LHires-II, RAMSES). For non-weather-proof detectors a special multi-purpose housing was developed. For all camera-based systems a RaspberryPi based platform for image acquisition, housekeeping data, remote access via 4G standard as well as analysis and data transfer has been set-up. We present our results to date here.

11:13

Q&A

11:15

Laura Costa

The effect of the airglow and the solar activity on the night sky brightness measurements

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This work analyses how airglow and solar activity influence the night sky brightness (NSB) measurements and the study of artificial light at night (ALAN). We study data measured by TESS, SQM and FreeDSM photometers and calculate the NSB of different locations using the spectral response of the instruments and spectra measured by the SAND spectrometer.

Two of the most widely used photometers, TESS and SQM, present a very different spectral response at wavelengths with high airglow emission values, which may lead to an incorrect measurement of ALAN due to natural contributions. We analyse spectra from dark and urban locations with the spectral response of these two photometers and for the new FreeDSM photometer, focusing on Parc Astronomic del Montsec (Lleida, Spain), as it is the only location where we have data for all the instruments.

We study the effect of adding a factor of airglow radiance to dark spectra to see how it influences sky brightness measurements. We subtract the airglow contribution of the spectra measured at dark locations and then add different contributions of the airglow spectra provided by the Cerro Paranal Advanced Sky Model (Deverchère et al. 2022, Jones et al. 2013).

In addition, we are trying to correlate the intensity of airglow on Earth with solar activity through TESS and SQM measurements. We compare the time evolution of the data with the time evolution of the solar flux. In most cases, TESS and SQM data present a decrease in brightness during the period of minimum solar activity.

11:23

Q&A

10:25

Open Discussion with Questions to the Speaker Panel 

10:45

Lightning Poster Talks (introduction)

10:46

Liroy Lourenco

Introducing SMART, ASKAP's RFI survey 

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ASKAP is located in Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory. To quantify the effects of RFI, particularly from satellite interference outside the protection of the Western Australia geographic radio quiet zone (Wilson et al., 2015, 2016), a multi-tiered monitoring strategy using data from the telescope itself and a dedicated 120-hour RFI survey, is planned. "Survey and Monitoring of ASKAP's RFI environment and Trends" (SMART) is an observatory-led project that has already shown a year-on-year increase in discarded data due to RFI in some spectrum allocations (Lourenço et al., 2024).

ASKAP discards data from 1150 to 1300 MHz due to navigation satellites before processing and satellite interference also affects the 1500–1620 MHz frequency range (Hotan et al., 2021; Lourenço et al., 2024). LEO satellite constellations — particularly 'direct-to-cell' — will likely exacerbate this problem. Regular RFI studies are essential to ensure the sustainability of scientific outcomes of telescopes like ASKAP in an evolving radio environment.

The survey captures 20-minute 18.5 kHz observations while tracking celestial coordinates, which cross a grid of 8x3 regularly spaced azimuth and elevation coordinates thrice daily. Over five days, SMART samples RFI occupancy across ASKAP's 700–1800-MHz frequency range. Combining ASKAP flagging tables, dedicated RFI monitoring equipment and telescope visibilities, this will be the first study of ASKAP's RFI environment since 2016 (Indermuehle et al., 2016) and the first with the full ASKAP array. We present recent updates from SMART, our plans for the survey and early results from a test epoch conducted in 2023.

10:48

Youness Elaima

Qualification of the Oukaimeden Observatory site: Processing and analysis of data measured by TESS and CoSQM photometers

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We are interested in studying the site of the Observatory of Oukaimeden. In recent years, the Oukaimeden Observatory has hosted several instruments to measure the quality of the sky in terms of astronomical observations. Among these instruments, we can mention the SQM (Sky Quality Meter), widely used to evaluate night sky brightness from the bottom of the sky and thus estimate the level of light pollution above Oukaimeden. In addition, there are other interconnected instruments, such as the TESS photometer of the Star4All consortium, also the CoSQM instrument which was recently installed through a collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke, Canada.

This is part of the Atlas Dark Sky project, aimed at studying the evolution of light pollution in the Toubkal Dark Sky Reserve precisely at the geographical centre of the reserve at Oukaimeden Observatory.

10:50

Stanislav Karpikov

New Approach Reducing Skyglow on Astronomical Images in Regions Affected by Heavy Advertising and Indoor Lighting Pollution

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Protecting the dark sky through the installation of full-cutoff outdoor lighting is approaching the limit of its effectiveness. Recent research findings indicate that a significant portion of light sources, including façade lighting and side emissions from indoor lighting, cannot be adequately restricted or mitigated using full cutoff. Moreover, the annual increase in light pollution exceeds previous estimates severalfold, reaching 9.6%. Addressing light pollution under such circumstances requires innovative approaches.

In this study, we analyse the requirements and discuss the possibilities and limitations of a fundamentally new engineering solution aimed at mitigating all types of lighting sources. It achieves a reduction in light pollution within the telescopes' field of view by up to 2 magnitudes, nearly completely neutralising the outdoor lighting glare produced by a city with a population of 100 000 located 30 km away from the observatory.

The solution comprises an integrated system wherein lighting sources, such as outdoor fixtures, outdoor advertising, façade and indoor lighting operate synchronously in pulse mode at frequencies of 150 Hz and higher. It has been demonstrated that these pulsations are imperceptible to the human eye and do not have hidden effects on the nervous system. The second component is an active shutter module installed on the telescope, which operates synchronously with the lighting sources in anti-phase with the light pulses, blocking the exposure. Digital synchronisation ensures accuracy and manages the phase to accommodate delays and reflections. The presented method was tested under operational conditions by StealthTransit Laboratories.

10:52

Christopher Baddiley

The effect on the dark skies from LED lighting from towns and cities both local and beyond the horizon in the UK Malvern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty

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This presentation summarises the work and conclusions of a long-running dark-sky measurement project at the author’s UK rural-located observatory, to study the effects of the introduction of LED outside lighting and changes in the weather. The monitoring uses a mast-mounted sky quality meter (SQM) recording at two-minute intervals every night, and a fisheye lens camera recording on the darkest nights, now with over 10 years of data. The SQM is tilted from the vertical slightly north to avoid the Milky Way.

Conclusions: the clear night sky brightness smoothly decreases during the night until hours before dawn. Histograms show a reduction in the number of dark nights over the period and the frequency of reaching the darkest values, attributed to changes in the weather. The colour change from orange to white from LED lighting is clearly shown in the camera images, and sky domes above the horizon can be seen from identifiable cities up to 150 kilometres away, also shown by plotting isophote contours. The darkest zenith brightness remains the same over years, (magnitude 21.1 mag/arcsec2 at the observatory location), but the horizon brightness has increased greatly. The background light-pollution contribution across the sky follows a simple empirical curve.

LEDs are directional if properly mounted with full horizontal cut-off, but the blue content causes far more scattering in the sky, together with increased brightness and reflection from the ground. This unfunded voluntary work has been used to advise policy makers, including the highways agency and the institute of lighting professionals.

10:54

Sergio Cellone

Impact of light-pollution on the quality of San Juan skies: Towards a Law to protect and preserve the sky in San Juan, Argentina

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The goal of this project is the elaboration of a light-pollution atlas through a photographic (Sky Quality Camera, SQC) and photometric (Sky Quality Meter, SQM) survey in strategic areas around the professional and science outreach observatories. This will be the basis for the upgrade of the Provincial Law 5771 (sky protection), The present project is a collaboration between the El Leoncito Astronomical Complex (CASLEO, CONICET - UNLP - UNC - UNSJ), the Félix Aguilar Astronomical Observatory (OAFA, UNSJ), The Dr. Carlos Ulrrico Cesco Astronomical Station, and the Secretaries of Environment and of Science & Technology of San Juan province. Joanma Bullon (President of AstroARAs, Valencia, Spain) is the technical advisor to this project.

We present results from the initial stage of this project, consisting of the first images obtained with a camera Canon 6D Mark II equipped with a Canon Fisheye 18–55 mm lens (SQC), which span 180 degrees of the sky in the strategically selected sites.

The second instrument, an SQM, will be acquired at a second stage; it will allow us to perform quantitative measurements of the sky brightness.

In order to carry out this project, we gathered an interdisciplinary team (astronomers, technicians, outreach staff) which is working with a short-, medium-, and long-term planning to evaluate the evolution of light pollution affecting the San Juan province sky.

10:56

Daniela González

Progress in Citizen Science through the Globe at Night and the Glowatch in combating Light Pollution

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Citizen science initiatives have emerged as indispensable tools in the current academic discourse around light pollution mitigation, exemplified by the 18-year-old Globe at Night project. Globe at Night is an international citizen science campaign involving citizen scientists who measure and submit observations of night sky brightness. This helps to create a global map of light pollution, highlighting the proliferation of this problem, and underlining the need for innovative prevention and mitigation strategies.

In response to this demand, Glowatch emerges as a citizen science platform that enables citizens to systematically identify and document sources of light pollution. The involvement of diverse communities not only reinforces specific control measures, but also advocates for improved outdoor lighting practices, especially relevant in astronomical regions such as Chile, crucial for scientific observation.

The effectiveness of citizen science tools such as Globe at Night and Glowatch depends on accessibility across all demographic spectra. To ensure participation rates and maintain the integrity of the data collected, efforts must prioritise inclusion and address digital barriers, facilitating scientific engagement and amplifying the impact of data acquisition.

By building on initiatives such as Globe at Night and Glowatch, the academic community deepens the global understanding of light pollution and its implications. Increased awareness, particularly in dark sky preservation regions, underscores the need for collaborative action. Collectively, our goal remains to mitigate the effects of light pollution, thereby safeguarding dark skies for posterity and strengthening a shared commitment to the preservation of this heritage.

10:58

Reminder of continuation of Lightning Talks for 30 min

noon

Session 1b

Lightning Poster Talks (continued)

noon

Emilio Falco

Night Sky Brightness and the Solar 10.7cm flux

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Mitigating the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on observatory operations requires accurate knowledge of night sky brightness (NSB) over long timescales. Such data are helpful not only to observatories, but also to the public at large.

We present an analysis of NSB over 4–6 years at four sites with differing night sky quality: Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona; Cosmic Campground, New Mexico; Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon; and Mount Lemmon, Arizona. The first three sites are far from population centres; Mt. Lemmon is near Tucson, with around one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. Time-series data were acquired at the zenith with Unihedron Sky Quality Meters (SQMs).

We developed Python software to analyse SQM data. Factors that contribute to the natural component of NSB vary seasonally but are poorly characterised. Our analysis aims to characterise these factors. Cyclical and stochastic variations in solar flux (SF) are a significant influence. The SF started rising at the beginning of the current Solar Cycle 25 in the second quarter of 2020 and continued rising through February 2024, when it reached twice the level in 2020. We find that as the SF doubled, NSB also rose but at a more modest rate of about 20%.

Continued monitoring is necessary to further confirm our conclusions and to follow the expected decrease in the SF by 2025. We plan to continue this effort and extend it to analyse the measurements that we will obtain with a 30-site SQM network spread over Southern Arizona.

Przemysław J. Mikołajczyk

The quality of the night sky in Polish astronomical observatories - The ALPS monitoring network

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I will present the first results concerning the quality of the night sky in Polish astronomical observatories, such as Ostrowik Station near Warsaw or Piwnice Observatory near Toruń. All results obtained and presented come from the All-Sky Light Pollution Network operated and maintained by the University of Wrocław, Poland. I will show what techniques may be used to characterise sky brightness and its deterioration over time.

Matin Najarzadeh

Searching For Potential Locations For Astronomers To Establish Dark Sky Camps In Iran

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The purpose of this research is to identify prospective locations for semi-professional and amateur dark sky camps in Iran. This study employs a descriptive research design that gathers data in the field through an application. Local experts, tourist specialists, and amateur astronomers made up the research's statistical population. In this study, 25 factors in eight recommended regions in Iran for semi-professional and amateur sky observation have been examined and compared using questionnaires and interviews. This allows one to determine the optimal locations for setting up appropriate facilities and constructing a dark sky camp. It was both amateur and semi-professional. The height above the open water's surface, the sky's upper bound, seismicity are a couple of factors measured in the research. Among other factors measured are the quantity of dust on the horizon, the level of light pollution, the number of clear and cloudless nights throughout the year, access roads, and security of the study region. The project aims to explore the following locations: Star Valley in Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province, Viligia Peak in Jasb Village in Markazi Province, and Seghale Desert in Semnan Province. Based on the findings of this study, these three locations can be recommended as good sites for the development of specialist infrastructure to cater to astronomy enthusiasts travelling there.

Dorje Angchuk

Preserving Dark Skies: The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Initiative

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The exceptional quality of the night sky attracted the creation of the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle around two decades ago. The rise of traditional tourism and local development activities contributed to an increase in light pollution. In response to this challenge, Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) was conceived as a sustainable model to conserve the pristine night sky while also leveraging it to benefit local communities. The uniqueness of HDSR is that it operates through a collaborative framework involving professional astronomers, local communities, and strong government support.

Central to HDSR’s strategy is the implementation of a Light Management Plan (providing warm light bulbs, lamp shades and curtains to all households). The local government is also investing in astro-tourism infrastructure including mini planetariums, transparent domes and entry gates to guide visitors.

Community engagement is emphasised to foster a sense of ownership of the night sky, with local villagers being provided and trained as Astronomy Ambassadors to showcase the night sky’s beauty to the tourist.

We are also constantly monitoring light pollution levels with SQM and DSLR cameras to assess the impact of artificial light. Annual star parties at HDSR foster interaction between Astronomy Ambassadors and amateur astronomers raising awareness about dark sky conservation.

Overall HDSR is an innovative campaign raising public awareness nationwide about designated dark skies areas, sky watching and importance of preserving dark skies for ecological, cultural and scientific reasons. It has spurred the development of astro-tourism, guided tours, and immersive experiences of the night sky.

Andrea Sosa

Dark Sky Protection in Uruguay: Advances in the Eastern Regional

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In March 2023 we began the first project in Uruguay that systematically evaluates light pollution of the night sky through the analysis of data mainly (but not exclusively) from UNIHEDRON Sky Quality Meters — models LU-DL and LE — installed in the headquarters of CURE and the astronomical observatory, located in the city of Rocha, as well in protected natural areas of the country. We have also evaluated potential places for a dark sky reserve in the mountains of the Department of Rocha. We are advising managers and technicians in protected natural areas about outdoor lighting and night sky brightness monitoring to be included in their respective management plans. In regard to dark sky protection laws, the last year we formed an interdisciplinary working group to develop regulations to outdoor lighting, with the support of our institution and the participation of astrotourism entrepreneurs. In November 2023 we submitted a regulation proposal to the provincial and municipal government of Rocha. We present a report of the results obtained up to date.

Mohammad Saleh Timar

Investigating the Influence of Dark Sky Assessments on Environmental Strategies in 4WD Expeditions and the Development of Astro Tourism in Iran's Desert Wilderness

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Last autumn we measured the darkness of the night sky at more than 20 locations deep within the deserts of Iran using SQM. These measurements were conducted in remote areas accessible only by specialised 4WD expeditions. The purpose of these adventurous trips was not just for measuring the darkness. They were part of a programme, which helped us with budget management of our darkness measurement project and the development of astro tourism under the darkest skies of Iran's desert belt. We conducted desert expeditions, combined with astro-tours in remote desert areas. This approach helped us to promote astrotourism to the Desert tourism community, who conduct adventurous 4WD tours, creating a new trend in this sector of tourism. This combination also provided our fellow travellers with the opportunity of learning about astronomy and observing the night sky during their free time at night. Many of these tours previously neglected the night sky because of bright lights at camp; now participants can better appreciate the beauty of starry sky. Furthermore, these combined adventure and astro-tours familiarise participants, often politically influential, with the significance of dark skies. This is crucial as many political figures in Iran are unaware of the importance of dark skies. Additionally, by shifting camp lighting from white to yellow, these tours reduce light pollution, benefiting desert dwellers who are less affected by the glare of artificial lights. In this presentation, I will discuss the other positive and impactful aspects of this project.

Oshan Sharma Kattel

Stargazing from the Himalayas: NASO's Efforts in Fostering Astro-Tourism in Koshi Province of Nepal 

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Nepal boasts significant potential for astronomy, marked by its dark skies and low light pollution. For over a decade, Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) has been playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation's astronomical landscape, concentrating on outreach, education, and research. Amidst Nepal's already thriving natural tourism industry, the minimally polluted night skies have consistently been recognized as an additional asset for the country's tourism sector.

With its continuous efforts to raise awareness about light pollution and its adverse effect on night skies, NASO has been working with ministries and local governments of Koshi Province to conduct a feasibility study of astro-tourism in different areas of Solukhumbu (home to Mt. Everest) and Illam districts with the aim of conserving the dark skies and establishing them as Astro-Villages. Capitalising on the well-established tourism infrastructure, NASO aims to develop astro-tourism not only to safeguard dark skies but also to create employment opportunities within these communities by introducing Astro-Tourguides and promoting homestays. This paper will delve into NASO's initiatives, focusing on the collaborative efforts involving various levels of government, tourism industry, and local communities to protect night sky darkness and promote astro-tourism with sustainable and community-driven efforts in the Solukhumbu and Illam districts of the Koshi Province of Nepal.

Justyna Olszewska

Good Night Collective - interdisciplinary efforts to protect the dark skies in Poland

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Good Night, an interdisciplinary collective, merges astronomy and fine arts to bridge the gap between science and society. Comprising graduates in astronomy and photography, our collective emphasises visual science communication. Our initiatives include exhibitions, workshops, and a popular science radio broadcast. Through Project Aurora Nord, we researched the aurora borealis and partnered with SOLAR, a clothing company, to create a collection featuring aurora patterns and an educational campaign on preserving dark skies. Our exhibitions, held in prestigious art and education institutions across Poland, aim to raise awareness about light pollution. Educational workshops during events like the Night of Museums and art festivals complement these exhibitions, deepening understanding of astronomical concepts and environmental issues. Our popular science radio programme broadcasts astronomy content and discusses light pollution, reaching a broader audience. Good Night is committed to helping small communities combat light pollution directly. We collaborate with local initiatives, providing support and resources to reduce artificial light at night, leading to noticeable improvements in light pollution levels. The culmination of our activities is cooperation with ALPS (All-sky Light Pollution Survey). ALPS is designed to monitor light pollution by recording images and measuring the brightness of the night sky. These observations are made using automated measurement stations. We have secured funding to build two such stations in strategic locations in our hometown of Poznań, Poland: Astronomical Observatory in Chalin (Dark Sky Reserve area, Poland), outskirts of Poznań near the Morasko Nature Reserve.

Ana Ulla-Miguel

FreeDSM: an open software and hardware dark sky meter based on IoT technologies for wide monitoring of light pollution

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FreeDSM (Free Dark Sky Meter) is an IoT photometer for citizen light pollution monitoring, developed in the context of the Gaia4Sustainability project, intended to develop a robust, reliable, and straightforward framework for estimating the night sky brightness. Among environmental problems, light pollution is among those that are the fastest growing in recent times, particularly in highly populated areas and developed countries. This is a global issue that very seriously affects the natural day-night life cycle and has a deep impact on the well-being of many living species, including humans, even contributing to fossil fuel combustion and the aggravation of climate change.

FreeDSM is based on an ESP32 microcontroller, which is a cheap and low-consumption component that integrates different sensors. The ESP32 is powered by Tasmota, a well-known open software home assistant tool that integrates basic logic for many commercial sensors. Interestingly, it has a rechargeable battery, which allows different device use ways. Our group has developed a low cost, easy to handle, open software and hardware solution with the aim to empower individuals to take action to reduce the amount of unnecessary outdoor lighting, spreading the word on night sky protection and popular access to astronomy at the same time.

The project is now in a commercial feasibility study phase and we here intend to summarise its current status, achievements and future plans. Either from homes, schools, parks or hospital roofs, advantageous possibilities are to be offered to NGOs, administrations, stakeholders and individuals for easy and cheap dark sky surveyance.

Amirah Izidine

Phatima ka ti Nheleti (Shine of the stars)

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Human settlements and cities have expanded in recent years, causing environmental issues such as light pollution. This problem is often overlooked, yet has harmful effects on both our environment and circadian rhythm. Our project, Phatima ka ti Nyeleti (Shine of the Stars in Changana), aims to address this issue by providing better public space illumination while reducing the negative impact of light pollution. Our innovative luminary, composed of recyclable materials and powered by renewable energy sources, will provide lighting to rural areas while preserving the night sky and the environment. By reducing electricity usage and costs, we believe we can significantly improve the situation. The name of our project reflects our dedication to preserving the night sky while illuminating the world.

According to the International Energy Agency's 2021 study, approximately 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, with only 44% of Mozambique's population having electricity. Our solution will benefit Africans by addressing their needs, reducing these percentages, and creating job opportunities throughout the design and renewable energy development process.

In conclusion, our project has the potential to pioneer an eco-friendly and modern approach to illuminating present and future settlements while minimising the damaging impact of light pollution.

12:30

Grab LUNCH & return for special talk @13:00pm

13:00

Special Talk 

13:00

Byrne

Dancing with the stars: The Dung Beetle Celestial Compass 

The ancient Egyptians noted the connection that dung beetles had with the Sun. Three thousand years later we have unpicked the details of this relationship to reveal a robust celestial compass that dung beetles use for orientation, and one that can operate under changing light conditions. Beetles switch from the sun to polarized light, or even the wind, depending on what cue is the most reliable. This compass is tuned to the habitat in which each species lives, and the time of day it chooses to move. However, for nocturnal beetles the compass can be confused by artificial light and sky glow. Dung beetles are yet another species telling us we need to rethink our relationship with the night sky, as the source of many of our myths, and of compass cues for other life on earth.

13:20

Q&A

13:30

Session 2

13:30

Overview, Housekeeping

13:35

Federico Di Vruno

Radio Frequency Management at the SKA Observatory

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Radio frequency interference is one of the most critical aspects for a radio telescope. This can be divided into two large groups: internal and external RFI. Internal RFI is considered to be all the radio noise produced by the telescope electronics (drives, high-speed digitization, data transport, etc) and the activities we need to do on site (construction, maintenance, visits, etc). External RFI is defined as all the radio signals that come from sources outside of the control of the observatory. The SKAO takes a holistic approach to RFI management, looking carefully at our internal RFI generation through the EMC/RFI group and to the external RFI through the Spectrum Management group.

This presentation will discuss how we have implemented this approach, successes, challenges and current status.

13:43

Q&A

13:45

Giorgio Siringo

Radio Frequency Interference at the ALMA Observatory

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We present work done by the Joint ALMA Observatory Spectrum Management Office (JSMO) preventing/mitigating ground- and space-based RFI at ALMA. ALMA's spectrum extends above 100 GHz, a characteristic that provides natural RFI protection, but makes monitoring/identification of RFI very difficult. The ALMA site on the Chajnantor altiplano is surrounded by a number of other observatories, and there is risk of interference due to RF emissions from these other observatories (and vice-versa). One task of the JSMO is to coordinate operations that may interfere with other observatories, e.g. holography transmitters for surface assessment or the ALMA artificial calibration source. The cloud-profiling radar (CPR) onboard the CloudSat satellite has been a source of concern because it has sufficient power to damage an ALMA receiver in case of direct beam-to-beam alignment between the CPR and an ALMA antenna. CloudSat was recently decommissioned, finally eliminating this concern. However, we learned a lesson: it would have been much more efficient if the satellite operator had turned off emissions for the few seconds it was passing over the observatory site, rather than the observatory being forced to mitigate the risk, a task which produced a significant loss of ALMA observing time. With RFI from satellites an ever-increasing challenge for RFI management strategies given the growing number of satellite constellations, the JSMO is planning to use ALMA to track satellites and measure the emissions to better understand the challenge presented by satellite constellations.

13:53

Q&A

13:55

Nalini Heeralall-Issur

The Mauritius Radio Telescope (MRT) site: need for preservation as an Astronomical Observatory for both Radio and Optical observations

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The Mauritius Radio Telescope (MRT) site is situated on state land, within the Bras-D’ Eau forest, in the small (1865 sq km) island of Mauritius. MRT was an Indo-Mauritian venture, developed in the 1990s, to survey the southern radio sky at 150 MHz. This 2 km by 1 km T-array of helical antennas was also equipped with a pulsar observing capability.

Although MRT is now decommissioned, the infrastructure developed at the site makes it ideally situated for astronomical observations, within the densely populated (1.3 million inhabitants) island of Mauritius. It has good road access, an observatory building, electricity, telephone lines and internet connectivity, but with no densely inhabited areas and city lights in close proximity, RFI levels remain relatively low and one can enjoy relatively dark skies.

The site has known a general degradation over the years, mainly owing to a lack of funds for hiring appropriate staff. Nevertheless, various new installations and prototypes for radio observations have been set-up, in preparation for our involvement as a partner country with South Africa for the SKA project. Occasionally open nights are held for night-sky viewing. More recently, DARA funded international research students have set-up an array of small parabolic antennas for radio observations at 1420 MHz.

However, in such a densely populated small island, explicit measures must be taken to safeguard the site so that it remains suitable for both radio and optical astronomical observations. We discuss possible avenues to ensure this in a sustainable manner.

14:03

Q&A

14:05

Gyula Jozsa

Involvement of Radio Astronomy in the Regulation of Lunar Communication

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Astronomers conceived of Moon missions with the aim of conducting radio astronomical experiments for consideration of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at a time when they were still a vision. As a result, radio astronomy enjoys special protection in a volume shielded from radio services on and around Earth. Today, the interest in the Moon in the context of space exploration, for research and also commercial, increases. Moon missions with the potential of bringing radio astronomy to the Moon are no longer fiction but reality. But other missions are also planned and the required increased communication makes an update of the regulations necessary. Astronomy should not miss contributing to this process, in order to ensure that future astronomy protection on the Moon aligns with its scientific needs. I will discuss the regulatory processes at the ITU level and give a brief overview of activities to protect radio astronomy in the Shielded Zone of the Moon.

14:13

Q&A

14:15

Richard Green

Lunar Science and Policy – the IAU Working Group on Astronomy on the Moon

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The Moon provides a unique platform in the inner Solar System for three types of astronomical observations: low-frequency radio in the shielded zone on the far side; infrared observations, particularly of deviations from the blackbody of the Cosmic Microwave Background and of exoplanet atmospheres with near-continuous orbital coverage; and detection of gravitational waves on a low-seismicity stable platform. Operations in suitable sites are incompatible with many other planned activities on the Moon, such as landings and launches or extraction of water ice and minerals. The IAU Working Group consists of mission science advocates/PIs, spectrum managers and policy/space law experts. The near-term objectives are to identify and prioritise the sites required for each type of mission, to translate the good intentions of protecting the shielded zone from radio-frequency interference into practical implementations, and to create an internationally agreed system of coordination and protection of sites for specific uses. The IAU is actively engaged with the ITU, UN COPUOS and other scientific organisations to provide a complementary and unified approach to protect options for astronomy.

14:23

Q&A

14:25

Matthieu Renaud

Light pollution, a complex real-world problem to be tackled through an interdisciplinary approach

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The problems of light pollution and the unprecedented issues raised by its management in the many territories currently concerned with the preservation of the nocturnal environment are complex real-world problems. This complexity and the need to grasp these issues in their entirety are now forcing researchers to go beyond traditional disciplinary approaches to truly interdisciplinary studies at the interface between the sciences of the Universe, the environmental sciences and the social sciences. In order to organise this production of interdisciplinary knowledge and encourage its transfer to territorial action, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) has created in 2021 the Nocturnal Environment Observatory (NEO). Through its research programmes, actions and partnerships with various territories, the Nocturnal Environment Observatory brings together a large community of scientists from different disciplines and institutions (social and natural sciences, sciences of the Universe, engineering and environmental physics), experts from different and complementary professional fields, as well as agents at the service of protected area management structures and territorial projects. Through the case study of Reunion island — a densely inhabited area under severe ecological constraints — we will present the objectives, the analytical framework, the tools and the methods of the NEO. We will show the concrete contributions to territorial action of a radically interdisciplinary research on the nocturnal environment, a socio-ecosystemic object built on the foundations of the dark-sky movement, and therefore owes much to the work of the astronomical community since the second half of the 20th century.

14:33

Q&A

14:35

Open Discussion with Questions to the Speaker Panel

14:55

Summary

15:00

Poster Session

(Titles for Lightning Poster Talks listed in WG6-1 and WG6-1b)

15:30

Session 3

15:30

Overview, Housekeeping

15:35

Ruskin Hartley

Stewardship of the Environment and Heritage of the Skies for Science and Humanity

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In the past year, DarkSky International has spearheaded an effort, gathering a diverse, multi-disciplinary group from nine countries to establish a coalition to preserve the night sky. This initiative emphasises the urgent need to collaborate with a broad spectrum of constituencies beyond the astronomy community to address the challenges of light pollution and satellite proliferation, which pose significant threats to human health and ecosystems, wildlife, and the natural beauty of the night sky.

The coalition's strategy centres on building a global alliance that not only involves astronomers but also engages environmentalists, policymakers, Indigenous communities, and the general public. This collaborative approach aims to create a shared commitment to the night sky as our common ancestral heritage, connecting dark sky preservation with broader concerns such as sustainable economic development, storytelling and sky traditions, advocacy and education, and equity/inclusion.

Our coalition is launching a global campaign that aims to mitigate the adverse effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) and promote responsible satellite deployment. The goals include reversing ALAN’s expansion, reducing its environmental and societal impacts, and fostering equitable access to the night sky. By uniting diverse perspectives in a concerted effort, the initiative strives to amplify its message and secure meaningful, lasting achievements. This collective action aims to protect our night skies for future generations, ensuring the cosmos's wonders remain accessible to all, marking a significant step towards a brighter (yet darker) future.

15:43

Q&A

15:45

John Hearnshaw

Latest developments at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

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In 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve became the first dark-sky reserve to receive DarkSky accreditation in the southern hemisphere. At 4367 sq km, it is one of the larger reserves in the world. The reserve encircles Mt John Observatory, NZ’s premier optical observatory near Lake Tekapo. A very active astrotourism programme operates in the reserve, with at least nine companies offering guided dark-sky tours.

In 2022 the local Mackenzie District Council replaced all of the streetlights (just over 1000) in the district with 2200 K LEDs, including those on lampposts as well as lower bollards. A proposal supported by the District Council to extend the reserve eastwards to include the small town of Fairlie is being pursued in 2024. If approved, the area will increase to 7339 sq km, which will be the second largest reserve world-wide.

A dark-sky Starlight Conference is planned in the reserve in October 2024, which will enhance the reserve’s reputation as one of the preeminent dark-sky reserves globally. An earlier Starlight Conference in 2019 led to the establishment of the Dark-Sky Network NZ, an organisation giving support to about two dozen existing (currently six) and aspiring (about 20) dark-sky communities in New Zealand.

In January 2024 a petition was made to the NZ Parliament to introduce national legislation to protect the whole of New Zealand from light pollution.

15:53

Q&A

15:55

Teznie Pugh

Dark Sky Successes in Southwest Texas

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In March 2022, McDonald Observatory partnered with four counties, six municipalities, a National Park, multiple State Parks, the Nature Conservancy in Texas, and two Mexican land protection agencies to found the Greater Big Bend International Dark Skies Reserve. The reserve encompasses almost 15 000 square miles (24 140 square kilometres) in southwest Texas and northern Mexico.

The Reserve application represented a formalisation of decades of effort in the region. In the years since the certification by DarkSky International we have continued these efforts resulting in two other Texas counties adopting lighting ordinances that meet the standards outlined in the Reserve's Lighting Management Plan and in the Texas Department of Transportation adopting new lighting standards in the region.

Together the six counties now covered by updated ordinances since 2020 total 24 291 square miles, or 39 092 square kilometres, with a total population of 50 431 (2021 census). Two of these counties contain a substantial number of oil and gas installations. Here we discuss our trials and successes in getting the ordinances in place and in educating the regional residents and operators about the ordinances, and discuss the breadth of the collaboration involved.

16:03

Q&A

16:05

Nalayini Davies

The synergy between astrotourism, dark sky conservation and astronomical outreach

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Astrotourism and its attendant economic benefits are growing rapidly. These are made possible by the presence of dark sky places and the ability to deliver astronomical outreach. To be sustainable then, astrotourism should support ongoing dark sky conservation and the continued development of astronomical outreach. The key findings from a recent DarkSky International survey of dark sky places worldwide, and the emerging principles of responsible astrotourism, will be shared to raise awareness and to obtain feedback.

We present findings from a recent survey of 209 international dark sky places, which reveals a rapid growth in astrotourism, that delivers an escape from urban nighttime glare and the breathtaking experience of a pristine natural night sky. Dark sky destinations are found to offer unique opportunities for private economic development, thereby drawing attention to the potential for stargazing to be a driver of sustainable growth in remote and often overlooked regions. The survey highlights the increasing interest and investment in such dark sky places. It also provides insights into the economic benefits that astrotourism operating in dark sky places can bring to local communities.

The talk will explore the evolving principles of responsible astrotourism, with economic benefits delivered whilst the environment is preserved, indigenous cultures and local society are respected, there is compliance with local regulations, and light is used responsibly.

16:13

Q&A

16:15

Matipon Tangmatitham

Raising Dark Sky tourism and Light pollution awareness: The Amazing Dark Sky in Thailand

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Since 2021, over 110 sites in Thailand have been designated as dark sky areas by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). In addition to the focus on preserving a pristine and pollution-free sky, the Amazing Dark Sky in Thailand project also focuses on raising awareness of the issue of light pollution and promoting ‘Dark Sky tourism’ as an engine for sustainable socio-economic development. To support these goals NARIT also launches other programmes aimed at complementing these efforts. The ‘astro guide’ training programme seeks to train, evaluate, and certify astronomy outreach personnel who will operate in these dark sky areas that are vital to the sustainability of the tourism of the dark sky preserves. In order to promote the dark sky projects and raise awareness in the public sector, a ‘Dark Sky Star Party’ is held annually receiving around 2000–3000 visitors. However, the most important milestone of all is the spinoff event Starry Night Over Bangkok' where a star party is held in the middle of Thailand’s sprawling capital city in order to promote awareness of astronomy and astrotourism. In a single night, a total of 12 000 participants attended the event, making this single event the largest stargazing event ever recorded. This is the real testament to the success of the programme in promoting appreciation in astronomy in the public sector.

16:23

Q&A

16:25

S. Exodus

ASTROx Dark Sky: Integrating Astronomy Education for Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement

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The field of astronomy education has recognized the pressing need to incorporate sustainability practices into classroom learning, going beyond traditional teaching methods. This presentation explores the ASTROx initiative, an interdisciplinary approach that merges astronomy with other academic subjects, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Highlighting a student-led social innovation project, this talk showcases how dark-sky advocacy and science communication can address real-life challenges within communities. The students employed a range of innovative techniques, including outdoor classrooms, design thinking lessons, and hands-on experiences to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of urban light pollution. By integrating astronomy education into interactive classrooms, students not only grasp the fundamental concepts of the Universe but also actively contribute to sustainable practices and community engagement. This presentation offers insights into the effective integration of astronomy education, empowering students to become informed advocates for dark-sky preservation and environmental stewardship.

16:33

Q&A

16:35

Open Discussion with Questions to the Speaker Panel

16:55

Wrap-up

17:00

Adjourn