Dark Skies

FAS Dark Skies Position Statement

Please click on the button to the right to download the recently issued statement from the Federation of Astronomical Societies regarding their views on dark skies and light pollution.

The statement mentions two other sources of information

Information on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dark Skies 2020 policy paper on Ten Dark Sky policies for the government can be found here
Information on the model followed by the UK Dark Skies Matter initiative can be found here

Download the FAS statement on Dark Skies

Information

What is Light Pollution?

Extra information

The UK's Commission for Dark Skies

Lighting Information and the Health Effects of Light Pollution

We all need to help to preserve and restore the beauty of the night sky by campaigning against excessive, inefficient and irresponsible lighting that shines where it is neither wanted or 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, however, light pollution is getting worse, even in these times of uncertain energy supplies. The dark skies of rural Wales are not being cherished and safeguarded 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 and, 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.

Examples of good and poor lighting policies in Cardiff can be seen here

Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve

We would like to thank:

- the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
- the Allt B&B guesthouse (situated in a remote corner of the Beacons), and
- the Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve

for the following video clips of the dark skies in the Brecon Beacons which is only the fifth destination in the world to be granted international dark sky reserve status and is probably the best place in the UK to view stars and planets, making it a very special destination for stargazers. Many events are organised in the Brecon Beacons for visitors to enjoy stargazing, and on a clear moonless night there you can see the Milky Way, many major constellations, nebulas and, at the right time of the year, meteor showers!