Michael Hotka's
Dark Sky Advocate Observing Club Results
Part 1 Observations
Provide a copy of a local outdoor lighting ordinance. In the document, highlight where good lighting is described. It is Item #43 in the link below
Link to Ordinance InfoProvide three photographs each of good and bad lights in your area. (A total of 6 photographs are required.) Describe why they are good or bad. Provide three photographs illustrating either the problem of glare or the solution of glare abatement (shielding). Compare the views through an eyepiece from a light polluted area (such as a parking lot) with direct light striking the telescope. Compare the views through an eyepiece from a “city” dark area (no direct light striking the immediate area around the telescope). Compare the views through an eyepiece from a dark sky site that has a limiting magnitude dimmer than magnitude 5.0 (no light striking the immediate area around the telescope). Find your electric rate as expressed in cents per kilowatt-hour. Then compute your local annual electrical cost of operating unshielded dusk-to-dawn lights. Be aware that the rate charged may vary during the year. Repeat the calculations using low wattage, shielded lights. Submit your calculations. Star Count - Count and draw all the stars of Orion from both light polluted and dark sky locations. Part 2 Observations
Develop a presentation describing the lighting problem in your area. Include local examples, good and bad. Submit either the presentation itself or its outline. What is your target audience? This presentation is intended to be delivered to the general public to educate them on tne need for more responsible lighting practices.
Prepare and submit a handout for the public that describes the problem and gives solutions. Draft and submit a sample (or actual) letter to government officials that describes the need for better outdoor lighting. Draft and submit a minimum of three sample (or actual) letters to different businesses commending them for their good/bad lighting. Outdoor lighting ordinance. What key components should it contain? Refer to the IDA’s “Simple Guidelines for Lighting Regulations.” Give at least three Dark Sky presentations that reach a combined total of fifty or more people. Part 1 Status - 75 of 75 Points Complete
Part 2 Status - 75 of 75 Points Complete
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