Government enquiry into Light Pollution and Astronomy - Need

[Whitters]

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BAA electronic circular No. 00088            http://www.britastro.org/
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Dear BAA Members,

Many of you will have heard of the committee formed to look at the
effects of light pollution and its impact on UK Astronomy. Bob Mizon is
already preparing a technical presentation to them and I also have a
draft document to consider for submission on behalf of the Association
as a whole.

However I would encourage local societies and any other members to
submit their thoughts direct to this committee as there must be many
examples of local difficulties which have created an impact on
observing.

I am repeating the message we received below and please note various WWW
sites which should be viewed before sending your submissions.

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LIGHT POLLUTION AND ASTRONOMY

The Science and Technology Committee is to conduct an inquiry into light
pollution and astronomy.

The inquiry will have the following terms of reference:

To examine the effectiveness of measures taken to reduce the impact of
light pollution on astronomy and to consider what further steps, if any,
are required.

The Committee will consider the following specific questions:

1. What has been the impact of light pollution on UK astronomy?
2. Are current planning guidelines strong enough to protect against
light pollution?
3. Are planning guidelines being applied and enforced effectively?
4. Is light measurable in such a way as to make legally enforceable
regulatory controls feasible?
5. Are further controls on the design of lighting necessary?

The Committee would welcome written evidence from interested
organisations and individuals addressing these points.  Evidence should
be submitted by Wednesday 30 April 2003. Oral evidence will be heard in
May.

Evidence should be sent in hard copy to the Clerk of the Science and
Technology Committee, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA.  Please send an
electronic version also, in Word format, via e-mail to
scitechcom@parliament.uk or on disk.  Guidance on the submission of
evidence can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm

Further information on the work of the Committee can be obtained from
Committee staff on 020 7219 2793/4.

Previous press notices and publications are available on the Committee's
internet homepage:
http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/science_and_technology_commit
tee.cfm

Membership of the Committee is as follows:

Dr Ian Gibson (Chairman)                        (Lab, Norwich North)
Mr Parmjit Dhanda                (Lab, Gloucester)
Mr Tom Harris                 (Lab, Glasgow Cathcart)
Mr David Heath          (Lib Dem, Somerton and Frome)
Dr Brian Iddon              (Lab, Bolton South  East)
(Mr Robert Key)                     (Con, Salisbury)
Mr Tony McWalter        (Lab, Hemel Hempstead)
Dr Andrew Murrison      (Con, Westbury)
Geraldine Smith       (Lab, Morecambe and Lunesdale)
Bob Spink                             (Con, Castle Point)
Dr Desmond Turner       (Lab, Brighton Kemptown)
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Kind regards,
Guy M Hurst
BAA President

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BAA electronic circulars service.      E-mail: circadmin@britastro.org
Circular transmitted on  Sun Feb 23 11:29:55 GMT 2003
(c) 2003 British Astronomical Association    http://www.britastro.org/
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