Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Myles Curtis Maybeline Flesher Axon Deadrick Conner Callahan Desiree Robinson Jarrett Usui Josef Kaelin Douglas Griswold Raiden Keefer Harrison Zimmermann Cole Gresham
Lead Presenter's Name
Ahnika Gee
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Stephen Gillam
Abstract
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to the largest university telescope in Florida. The 1-meter telescope on top of the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) has the ability to observe more faint and distant objects than any other university in the state. However, these abilities are greatly hindered by light pollution created by the lighting conditions on campus. For several semesters our team has worked to identify the greatest contributors to this light pollution to develop solutions for reduction so that the 1-meter telescope and the data it collects may be best utilized. We use a Unihedron sky quality meter to take quantitative data of the light coming from various university facilities, buildings, and illuminated outdoor areas. Various methods have been used to evaluate different ways light conditions can be improved, including prototyping of redirected light covers and shades applied to outdoor lighting fixtures. Although the final result is still under investigation, the preliminary data suggests that an improvement to the lighting practices around the College of Arts and Sciences and the Mori Hosseini Student Union would enhance the capabilities of the 1-meter telescope. Once we have gathered the conclusion from the data we’ve collected, we will be submitting a written report along with petition signatures from students and faculty to university administration in hopes that recommended improvements can be made.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Addressing Light Pollution on the Embry-Riddle Campus
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to the largest university telescope in Florida. The 1-meter telescope on top of the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) has the ability to observe more faint and distant objects than any other university in the state. However, these abilities are greatly hindered by light pollution created by the lighting conditions on campus. For several semesters our team has worked to identify the greatest contributors to this light pollution to develop solutions for reduction so that the 1-meter telescope and the data it collects may be best utilized. We use a Unihedron sky quality meter to take quantitative data of the light coming from various university facilities, buildings, and illuminated outdoor areas. Various methods have been used to evaluate different ways light conditions can be improved, including prototyping of redirected light covers and shades applied to outdoor lighting fixtures. Although the final result is still under investigation, the preliminary data suggests that an improvement to the lighting practices around the College of Arts and Sciences and the Mori Hosseini Student Union would enhance the capabilities of the 1-meter telescope. Once we have gathered the conclusion from the data we’ve collected, we will be submitting a written report along with petition signatures from students and faculty to university administration in hopes that recommended improvements can be made.