Picture: The International Space Station trails across a light-polluted night sky where the stars struggle to be seen. (Credit: Paul Sutherland).
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Scientists from the International Astronomical Union degree dark skies as a basic human right. Light pollution, a bane to Astronomers and amateur star gazers alike, effects everyone and its issue goes beyond the examining the Universe. The health of nocturnal species and humans alike are affected by artificial light everyday. Rectifying light pollution is contingent upon us, as human beings. American astronomers Richard Wainscoat and Malcolm Smith, participants at IAU, have drafted a “Defence of the night sky and the right to starlight” and have outlined it as the following:
“1. An unpolluted night sky that allows the enjoyment and contemplation of the firmament should be considered an inalienable right equivalent to all other socio-cultural and environmental rights. Hence the progressive degradation of the night sky must be regarded as a fundamental loss.
2. Knowledge – armed with education – is a powerful vector that can heal the growing rift between today’s society and science and contribute to the advancement of mankind as a whole. The dissemination of astronomy and associated scientific and cultural values should be considered as basic content to be included in educational activities.
3. Protection of the quality of astronomical areas suitable for scientific observation of the Universe must be given priority in national and international scientific and environmental policies.
4. Control of obtrusive light must be a basic element of nature conservation policies since it impacts on several species, habitats, ecosystems, and landscapes.
5. The intelligent use of artificial lighting that minimizes sky glow and avoids obtrusive visual impact on both humans and wildlife should be promoted. This strategy would involve more efficient use of energy so as to meet the wider commitments made on climate change, and for the protection of the environment.
6. Tourism, among other players, can become a major instrument for a new alliance in defense of the quality of the nocturnal skyscape. Responsible tourism, in its many forms, can and should take on board the night sky as a resource to protect and value in all destinations.
7. Necessary measures should be implemented to involve all parties related to skyscape protection in raising public awareness – be it at local, regional, national, or international level – about the contents and objectives of the International Conference in Defense of the Quality of the Night Sky and the Right to Observe Stars.”
