OUR ORGANISATION

  The Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich) is a local astronomical society whose growing membership is now well in excess of 100 people. Our members—men and women of all ages—represent a wide cross-section of the local population. We also have a number of under 16s as junior members.

  Over a period of more than 30 years society members have restored an historic Victorian observatory (Orwell Park Observatory). The Observatory, part of a property, which is now a school, is maintained and operated by the society for the benefit of members and of the local community. The society arranges visits for local groups (Guides, Scouts, Women's groups, Men's groups, special interest groups and institutions, etc) and holds public open evenings each year that provide an opportunity for people to view the night sky through the observatories telescopes. For the past 30 years the observatory has given access to our Universe for many people and today between 500 and a 1,000 people visit in a typical year.

THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT POLLUTION

  We are fortunate that most people in the rural and semi-rural area adjacent to the observatory are themselves concerned about light pollution, primarily because of its damaging effect on rural tranquillity and its degrading effect on the rural environment. We have, however, suffered a worrying increase in light pollution that comes mainly from larger centres of population and industrial sites in the area. The nearby Port of Felixstowe in particular has seen rapid expansion over recent years and with it, a noticeable increase in light pollution to our south eastern skyline as viewed from the Observatory. As far as the particular issue of the night sky is concerned, the light pollution is detrimental to our visitors and us and to those who, though not particularly interested in the subject of astronomy, appreciate the importance of the "skyscape" as part of the natural environment.

THE SOLUTIONS

  We feel that planning guidelines, although helping to some extent, should be wider ranging and stronger. There is certainly a need to make controls legally enforceable and ensure local authorities can and do act against any breaches of such controls. Additional regulations controlling light pollution could also help parish councils and members of the community who want to protect their local environment as well as benefiting astronomy.

  Applying controls on design, intensity and number of lights would help control light pollution without the need for other methods of quantification of light pollution. Parameters such as luminance and Upward Wasted Light Ratios (UWLR) are available for use in setting guidelines and regulations. Controls on both UWLR and total luminance are important and necessary. A study of the issue of skyglow could, however, enable an approximate quantification of the phenomenon that would also be useful.

  Improvements in the design of lighting would also be important in reducing light pollution. More consideration should also be given to investigating lower intensity lighting designs and alternatives to lighting for safety and security applications in both urban and rural areas.

ENFORCEMENT

  Our "general" impression is that the problem of light pollution is not given sufficient priority and that little or no effort is being made by local authorities to enforce any current or proposed lighting regulations.

22 April 2003