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We carry Meade Instruments Nebular Filters that help block light pollution for the stargazer's celestial viewing!
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Stargazers have been battling the effects of light pollution for many years as more areas are being overcrowded by urban sprawl. Light pollution is the unwanted consequence of outdoor lighting. The two main concerns to astronomers are sky glow (the brighting of the sky caused by outdoor lighting and natural atmospheric and celestial factors) and the other concern is light trespass. Light trespass is unwanted light usually caused by street lighting, a neighbor's backyard light or other light fixture. Sky glow is composed of five different sources from the sunlight being reflected off the moon and the earth, from the faint air glow in the in the upper atmosphere. As well as sunlight reflected off interplanetary dust and starlight scattered throughout the atmosphere and the background light from faint, unresolved stars and nebula. The effects of sky glow are a high concern to amateur astronomers and professional astronomers alike because of the reduced ability to view celestial objects in the night sky. Sky glow will increase the brightness of the dark areas of the night sky, (which reduces the contrast of stars and other celestial objects against the dark sky). For ideal observing conditions stargazers often look for very dry and clear dark nights. What can astronomers do to help fight light pollution? There are organizations such as the International Dark Sky Association that are devoted to preserving the dark skies and the natural habit through its conservation efforts. Some observatories throughout the world have protected zones around them that allow for dark sky observing. Another effort that stargazers are being interested in are dark sky villages. These communities are set in dark sky areas to help preserve the deep dark skies observing that astronomers long for while using their telescopes. One such community is Arizona Sky Village run in part by amateur astrophotographer Jack Newton and his wife Alice. This unique community is set in one of the darkest deep sky areas of North America. There are other communities being built to follow Arizona Sky Village's philosophy of preserving the dark skies. What equipment can stargazers use to help reduce light pollution and its effects? There are "astronomy friendly" lighting fixtures that a stargazer can install as not to ruin their celestial viewing. There are also filters and other equipment that a stargazer can use on their telescope to help filter out the effects of light pollution. One day professional astronomers and amateur astronomers can hope that light pollution can be removed by using environment friendly lighting and using it appropriately. Until then, astronomers will continue their journey for that perfect deep sky observing experience. |
For more information visit these sites: Star parties At Woodland Hills Camera & Telescope we carry Binoviewers from
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