Light Pollution of the Night Sky

Objective:

Materials:

Procedure:















      DATA FORM FOR LIGHT POLLUTION OBSERVATIONS

CITY      _______________
STATE     _______________
OBSERVERS ______________________________________________

CONSTELLATION  _______________________

                     STARS SEEN AFTER [ ] MINUTES
SITE  DISTANCE   0min    5min   10min   15min     20min
 1    ____       ____    ____   _____   _____     _____
 2    ____       ____    ____   _____   _____     _____
 3    ____       ____    ____   _____   _____     _____
 4    ____       ____    ____   _____   _____     _____
 5    ____       ____    ____   _____   _____     _____



This data can be plotted in two ways:

Plot the total number of stars in each column vs the time.  This
gives a measure of light adaption of our eyes.

Plot the number of stars in the '20 minute' column vs the distance. 
This gives you an idea of the light polluting effect of your city
or town.




Questions To Consider

We are eager to hear from you. Please contact: Libby@astro.wnmu.edu with your results.

For a more in depth introduction to light pollution, check out the International Dark Sky Association.