Light Pollution Handbook

This book deals with light pollution and about the ways to reduce it. Light pollution is one of the negative side-effects of artificial outdoor lighting. The term light pollution is an unhappy one, but as no better alternative seems to exist, it will be used throughout this book. The function of all outdoor lighting is to enhance the visibility or the aesthetics in the nighttime environment. The light should come where it is needed. If not, it is spilled, causing economic and environmental losses as well as disturbance and discomfort. The overall effects are termed 'light pollution'; a major form of light pollution is the glow extending over the night sky. Sky glow is discussed in many astronomical textbooks and in many popular brochures. The present book is primarily aimed at those responsible for outdoor lighting installations. Thus, an engineering approach has been chosen. The level of the book is that of 'college' or 'University level'. The book is organized in two parts. The first seven chapters cover the areas of general interest, and conclude with recommendations. The second part deals with the scientific and engineering elaboration of the first part. A number of examples are included that refer to specific outdoor lighting installations and projects that are directly related to the reduction of light pollution. Finally, some information is given about the authors.

Describes the problems that astronomers and other night sky observers face in reducing the problems of information loss due to light pollution, as well as the problems lighting technologists face in optimizing outdoor lighting installations that cause little or no light pollution

Klappentext

Constituting the first holistic overview including practical remedies, this handbook provides the background needed by anyone grappling with the complex issue of outdoor lighting and its effects. It describes not only the problems that astronomers and other night sky observers face in reducing the problems of information loss due to light pollution, as well as the problems lighting technologists face in optimising outdoor lighting installations that cause little or no light pollution. The first part is directed to decision makers and managers of outdoor space and covers the areas of general interest, culminating in recommendations to reduce the impact of light pollution. The second part is directed primarily to scientists and engineers, as a support to the design and maintenance of outdoor lighting installations, with special reference to astronomical observations. Elaborating issues from the first part, these contributions include examples that refer to specific outdoor lighting projects and to more general policy and educational measures.

Written for designers of lighting equipment and managers of astronomical observatories, but also aimed at the authorities and decision makers responsible for the organization and maintenance of the public space, it will serve a good purpose in graduate or postgraduate curricula for scientists, engineers, economists and law students. This handbook fills the gap that exists between astronomical textbooks, engineering texts and popular brochures about light pollution.

Inhalt
1 Preamble.- 2 Aim and purpose of outdoor lighting.- 3 What is light pollution?.- 4 Adverse effects of light pollution.- 5 Light pollution and astronomy.- 6 Limiting values for light pollution.- 7 Recommendations.- 8 Vision and visibility.- 9 Visual performance, task performance.- 10 Fundaments of visual and behavioural functions.- 11 Technology and light-techniques.- 12 Effects of outdoor lighting on society and on the environment.- 13 Environmental aspects of light pollution.- 14 Photometry.- 15 Public aspects.