Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => In the Media... => Topic started by: MarkS on Jun 28, 2013, 07:48:30

Title: Promise of Blackouts
Post by: MarkS on Jun 28, 2013, 07:48:30
Great news - because of the UKs underinvestment in power generation (windmills and solar panels of course don't work on calm Winter evenings) we are now promised the possibility of proper dark nights.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/10145803/Risk-of-UK-blackouts-has-tripled-in-a-year-Ofgem-warns.html

Excellent reason to keep 12v as the main power source for the observatory - to take advantage of the blackouts.  Imagine the frustration of looking at pristine skies with no chance of imaging them because of lack of mains power.
Title: Re: Promise of Blackouts
Post by: Fay on Jun 28, 2013, 07:53:40
exactly what i was thinking this morning Mark
Title: Re: Promise of Blackouts
Post by: mickw on Jun 28, 2013, 08:08:00
Perhaps if they turned the streetlights off at midnight, stopped floodlighting pointless buildings, stopped floodlit sports, banned insecurity lights over 50 watt then some savings could be made - I wonder why nobody thought of this  :roll:
Title: Re: Promise of Blackouts
Post by: RobertM on Jun 28, 2013, 15:08:04
If only someone had the 'bright' idea of turning off all unnecessary office lights - just look at the canary wharf christmas tree when you come over wrotham hill. 

Unnecessary lighting should be penalised !
Title: Re: Promise of Blackouts
Post by: MarkS on Jun 28, 2013, 15:45:10
Quote from: RobertM
If only someone had the 'bright' idea of turning off all unnecessary office lights

This happens in France from Monday:
http://www.standard.co.uk/arts/book/too-much-light-in-our-darkness--a-plea-for-the-pleasure-of-seeing-stars-8675992.html