The Impact of Light Pollution on Observational Resources
Abstract
The 1-meter telescope at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach campus is the largest university-based research telescope in Florida. In ideal conditions, it should have some of the best observational abilities in the state. However, the light pollution and lighting practices from facilities and outdoor light fixtures greatly interfere with these abilities. Our team works to identify the greatest contributors to light pollution on campus so that we can develop cost effective and accessible solutions to increase the quality of our data. The results of this project will be shared with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University leadership in hopes that improvements can be made. Using a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter, we measured the severity of the light pollution under various locations and conditions. These conditions include measurements with and without temporary light covers, yellow cellophane light filters, and shades applied to the Mori Hosseini Student Union. We additionally compare spectroscopy data analysis from before and after the construction of the Mori Hosseini Student Union. Our project is new, and therefore ongoing. We require more data to thoroughly investigate our results before reporting our findings. However, as of now, our preliminary analysis suggests that improvements to the lighting practices around the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly with the Mori Hosseini Student Union, would greatly enhance the capabilities of the 1-meter telescope. Using covers on outdoor light fixtures to redirect light and using yellow light filters have been shown to reduce the light pollution. The final solution is still currently under investigation.
The Impact of Light Pollution on Observational Resources
The 1-meter telescope at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach campus is the largest university-based research telescope in Florida. In ideal conditions, it should have some of the best observational abilities in the state. However, the light pollution and lighting practices from facilities and outdoor light fixtures greatly interfere with these abilities. Our team works to identify the greatest contributors to light pollution on campus so that we can develop cost effective and accessible solutions to increase the quality of our data. The results of this project will be shared with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University leadership in hopes that improvements can be made. Using a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter, we measured the severity of the light pollution under various locations and conditions. These conditions include measurements with and without temporary light covers, yellow cellophane light filters, and shades applied to the Mori Hosseini Student Union. We additionally compare spectroscopy data analysis from before and after the construction of the Mori Hosseini Student Union. Our project is new, and therefore ongoing. We require more data to thoroughly investigate our results before reporting our findings. However, as of now, our preliminary analysis suggests that improvements to the lighting practices around the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly with the Mori Hosseini Student Union, would greatly enhance the capabilities of the 1-meter telescope. Using covers on outdoor light fixtures to redirect light and using yellow light filters have been shown to reduce the light pollution. The final solution is still currently under investigation.