Light Pollution - Introduction

This is a composite image produced by joining three original photographs together. The images were taken with a 50mm lens at f1.7 and 10 second exposure, on Kodak Gold 2 film speed 400 ASA.

Our society aims to preserve and restore the beauty of the night sky by campaigning against excessive, inefficient and irresponsible lighting that shines where it is not wanted nor needed, even in the towns. The glow above Cardiff, Newport and Swansea etc. pollutes the skies elsewhere as well as denying the next generation of town dwellers a chance of experiencing the wonder of the skies.

Unfortunately, light pollution is getting worse, even in these times of uncertain energy supplies. The dark skies of rural Wales are not being cherished and safe guarded as they should be by those who should know better.

Floodlighting has become a status item helped along by public bodies such as the Welsh Assembly (Heads of the Valleys Spectacular Trail of Light), Cadw (floodlighting of public buildings), churches (the Millennium project) and councils (up-lighting of bridges in Newport). Like a virus, it spreads by the "me too" process.

The quality of such lighting is often disappointing, although designed by "experts". Buildings are lit up where and when there is nobody about to see.

If you have a comment on lighting in your area, contact your local representative and make your views known. It all counts.