The Liverpool Astronomical Society

Personally, can't speak for others, I have no problem with it if it helps save the environment by saving energy. Don't see any health problems and so far a safety goes the lack of light can be a benefit - if the muggers can't see you they can't mug you.

Less light pollution would be a potential benefit, but the lights would only be out after midnight or later .

 

Just read the BBC website ‘ Skies dim for UK Astronomers’  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7210342.stm

Basically, UK research money is being withdrawn from the Gemini telescope consortium resulting in UK astronomers being excluded from the use these telescopes. They are 8.1 metre telescopes, one each in the northern and southern hemispheres. My understanding is that while there are alternative telecopes in the southern hemisphere, the northern telescope is unique and no other alternative exists for UK astronomers.

Questions:
1.   Should this Society be lobbying Government for an increase in budget to allow UK Astronomers access to Gemini North? The Society’s aim ‘" To promote the science of Astronomy primarily in Liverpool and the neigbourhood thereof’ does not exclude this.

The Government after all has stated that it recognisies the benefits of science.

2.   Does anyone have a view on whether this is academic shroud waving? It appears genuine to me.

Regards

Brian

Hi all,

Just wondering if the website should have:

1. specific interest groups eg lunar, solar, space etc with the email address of members with an interest; to share and develop knowledge and expertise.

2. list of courses, with comments from people who have taken the course.

I am currently taking the JMU ARI  ' Universe through a Large Telescope ' course and both of the above would have been/be useful to me.

Regards

Brian
 

Hi,

I notice that Knowsley MBC are advertising for a Project Manager to manage the renewing of their street lighting, apparently across the Borough.

Now would be a good time for LAS to approach Knowsley with their Light Pollution concerns and amend the street lighting specification, if necessary. Amending the spec can cost very little, amending the installed will be too costly.

If we don't get in now, we will be stuck with what they install for the next 25 years. And if we get Knowsley onboard, we can then use it as an example of good practice with the other LAs.

I have little knowledge of reducing light pollution, but there must be best practice out there in the astronomical world, which we can press Knowsley to install.

If I can help let me know.

Regards