1. LPA LIGHT POLLUTION ABATEMENT

2. Mission Statement In 1991 the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada established its Light Pollution Abatement Committee to support measures to reduce Light Pollution. Our mission is to work for social and legislative changes which will result in better, more responsible lighting practices in Canada, and the preservation of the night-time environment for all to enjoy. This is accomplished by: RAISING PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM OF LIGHT POLLUTION FORMING OR JOINING ALLIANCES WITH LIKE-MINDED GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS, and MAKING REPRESENTATIONS TO GOVERNMENTAL BODIES.

3. Terms Light pollution is the combined effects of glare, light trespass and sky glow. In some cases light pollution can actually reduce the safety and security it is intended to provide, since light may be directed where it was not intended. Glare is the visual discomfort resulting from insufficiently shielded light sources in the field of view. The light source itself hinders a person's ability to see details not directly illuminated by the light. This degrades safety and security. One should see the hazards, not the light source. Light Trespass is misdirected light that invades neighbouring property. It creates a nuisance by shining into bedroom windows and other areas. Light should be directed to where it is needed.

4. Terms, continued Sky Glow: Natural sky glow is produced at night by emissions from gases high in our atmosphere. Artificial sky glow dominates the natural form in and around urban areas. It is caused by light scattered off dust and large air molecules over a city. This light is intended to illuminate the ground but, due to poor design, it is misdirected upward into the sky. It wastes energy and it obliterates the view of the night sky. Energy waste: Light is a form of energy. It is wasted when it does not shine where it is needed, unnecessarily inflating operating costs and environmental pollution from extra transmission lines and power plants. American studies have identified over a billion dollars worth of wasted energy each year because of the light that shines into the night sky. On the local level, a smaller community, with a lower tax base, could enjoy significant savings if they adopted efficient lighting and insured that it is properly installed.

5. This drop-lens cobra luminaire allows light to escape sideways and upwards, where it may cause problems. Drop-lens cobra luminaire

6. A flat-lens cobra luminaire, which is a full-cutoff fixture, may be effective in reducing light pollution. It ensures that light is only directed below the horizontal, which means less light is wasted through directing it outwards and upwards. Flat-lens cobra luminaire

7. Normal street lighting: sky glow, severe glare

8. Good lighting: shielded illumination, no glare

10. Some easy solutions Use the right amount of light, no more than is needed. Shield the light so that it shines down, not up or sideways. Use light timer controls whenever possible. Use low pressure sodium fixtures whenever possible because they are the most energy efficient and because their light can be filtered out with telescope filters. Avoid using round globe lights unless they are properly shielded. Be aware of quality lighting. Let people know when you see some good and attractive lighting arrangements. Educate people about the adverse effects of inappropriate lighting.

11. Organizations International Dark Sky Association (USA) Campaign for Dark Skies (UK) Association Nationale pour la Protection du Ciel Nocturne (France) Illumination Engineering Society of North America ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA