Safeguarding our dark skies should concern us all
Back in our March issue, we reported on a worrying new study into skyglow, the diffuse illumination caused by light pollution. Based on over a decade of night-sky observations by citizen scientists, it found that the night sky has brightened by an average of 9.6 per cent each year. In this issue, science writer Shaoni Bhattacharya speaks to one of the study’s authors and looks at the state of play of legal proposals to tackle light pollution – something that should be a concern for everyone.
We hear too about the often-frustrating individual experience of combating light pollution from amateur astronomer Stephen Kirkman in Field of View, and we remember the dedication of Bob Mizon, national coordinator for the BAA’s Commission for Dark Skies , who passed away in April.
Also this month, we’re marking the achievements of two remarkable women: 60 years ago, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space, followed 20 years later by Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel out of Earth’s atmosphere. Read about their inspiring stories in Ezzy Pearson’s feature.
It’s the start of noctilucent cloud season and in this month’s Sky Guide, Pete Lawrence explains how to look for these ethereal clouds, the highest in our atmosphere. Then science journalist Rob Banino takes a look at the latest research into these night-shining clouds and whether they’re becoming more common. Enjoy the issue!
PS Our next issue goes on sale on Thursday 15 June.