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Space Telescope Science Institute
3700 San Martin Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Operated by AURA for NASA
mutchler@stsci.edu
410-338-1321
Dark vs polluted night sky |
Enlighten Maryland
Enlighten Maryland was a project to introduce people to the stars in their nighttime sky, and allows them to directly contribute to a light pollution monitoring project. It was coordinated by: Melissa Jan (Maryland Science Center, jan_m@mdsci.org), Max Mutchler (Space Telescope Science Institute), Brian Eney (International Dark-Sky Association, Westminster Astronomical Society), and Chris Jones (Commercial Media).
Observers (both students and the general public) were invited to count the stars they can see in certain constellations to quantify the degree of light pollution or "skyglow" at their location. For students, this service-learning project involves preparation, action, and reflection, and embodies the best practices of service-learning. They can earn credit towards their service-learning graduation requirement. The project kicked-off at a free event at the Maryland Science Center on the evening of 12 November 2001 called " Shedding Light on Light Pollution". Our first star chart (of Orion) was published in the Baltimore Sun in February 2002 to encourage the public to conduct star counts. Citizens and students submitted 1130 observations via mail or our public website (www.EnlightenMaryland.org). See state, central Maryland, and Baltimore area observation locations.
Light pollution caused by poorly designed outdoor lighting fixtures can dangerously diminish our nighttime vision, is harmful to wildlife, and wastes energy and money (especially tax dollars). Good lighting improves nighttime safety, and is cost-effective. On a more profound level, it also preserves a precious natural wonder: the night sky. Prior to the widespread use of artificial lighting over a century ago, clear nighttime skies had the power to awe and inspire everyone, everywhere (even in large cities). Nothing less than our ability to appreciate and understand the rest of our universe depends upon enlightened use of lighting here on Earth. For many people, we hope this project provides an excuse to pause for a moment, look up at the stars, and connect with their universe.
Related links:
- This project was largely inspired by and modeled after Project Orion in Washington DC.
- Sky & Telescope's light pollution series
- Light pollution organizations: IDA, Pennsylvania, New England, Awareness Forum