By Kathy Dickinson
The Becket Conservation Commission (BCC) was honored to host this year’s DarkSky MA Annual Meeting. Participants from all over Massachusetts convened November 2nd at Becket Town Hall, the westernmost site selected thus far for the event.
Dave Johnson, BCC Chair, welcomed members and guests, and introduced James Lowenthal, President of the Massachusetts chapter of DarkSky International. Lowenthal pointed out that light pollution is one of the most serious and least appreciated pollutants in our environment. While we in Becket are fortunate to enjoy viewing our night sky, more than 80% of the U.S. population can’t see the night sky at all due to “sky glow.”
Guest Lecturer John Barentine joined the meeting from Tucson, Arizona, via Zoom. He highlighted the latest research and summarized the current annual report, pointing out a distinction between indoor pollution (such as from computer screens) and outdoor lighting—both comprised of artificial light at night, or ALAN. The report is designed to update the public and officials and includes a vast database of research (see alandb.darksky.org). The latest report also summarizes how we can now have a “bird’s-eye view” of light pollution by using satellite images (see lightpollutionmap.info). Interestingly, while we have known that ALAN affects circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock—its effects are now known to be more pronounced in older adults.
Attendees then broke out into three work groups, with faculty circulating to lead discussions.
- Astrotourism, led by Lowenthal, is a growing field involving the delicate balance of encouraging visitors to sites advantageous for night sky viewing while protecting those delicate environments.
- Model Bylaw discussion was led by Kelly Beatty, who outlined the goals of introducing adoptable guardrails to preserve dark skies, including protections from future sources of light pollution.
- The Five Principles of Responsible Lighting, led by Michael Person, revolve around ensuring light is provided for a specific purpose and used only when and where needed; that light is targeted, limiting dispersal; that light is no brighter than necessary to reduce glare (such as from blinding headlights); lights should be on only when needed, using timers or motion-control devices; and lights should be in the warm-colored spectrum to reduce harmful effects of blue light.
A final presentation was provided by Leora Ledetsky, who introduced the DLC LUNA Program, a non-profit organization whose goal is to decrease carbon, energy, and light pollution (see designlights.org).
DarkSky MA is one of 70 chapters of DarkSky International, established to bring attention to the threats of light pollution affecting public health and safety; the ecology of our environment, including plants and animals; and our ability to appreciate and enjoy the night sky.
Photo courtesy of Gail Walker, Nantucket Lights
