Light-pollution is the modern scourge of optical astronomy. More and more observing sites are being lost as the glare of city lighting blots out the night sky. Professional astronomical observatories are located far from cities, but amateur astronomers often do not have this luxury.This book considers the two available strategies open to astronomers - get rid of the light pollution by lobbying Authorities and Standards Organisations, and minimise its effects by using the correct instrumentation. The book contains an extensive detailed catalogue of deep-sky and other objects that - despite what one might believe - can be seen from variously light-polluted sites, for practical observers.
From the reviews of the first edition:
"I learnt a lot from this book about light pollution and the problems it causes for astronomers around the world. ... A set of rules set by the Tucson/Pima County Lighting Code I found to be very interesting reading indeed, and if we could get some of them implemented over here our skies would be a lot darker. Let’s look forward to the day when we get what we wish for." (Mick Murphy, Astronomy & Space, April 2003)
"Light pollution (LP) is the bane of all astronomers, and it has been increasing steadily for decades. ... Well, does the book work? Yes, it most certainly does if you want to know about LP and how to fight it. ... There are plenty of good photographs, many in colour. ... All in all, I thoroughly recommend the book to anyone with a passing interest in LP. It has everything you need to know on the subject, as well as who to contact and where." (Bob Dryden, The Deep Sky Observer Magazine, Issue 128, 2002)
"Bob Mizon ... is a champion for the cause of reducing light pollution through better controlled lighting. This book fits well into the Practical Astronomy Series with its practical approach to the problems of light pollution. ... Bob covers all the types of light pollution and offers remedies and directions for action. ... The book should be essential reading throughout the lighting industry, government departments, council planning departments and for all architects. ... A unique and valuable achievement, superbly done." (Chris Baddiley, Astronomy Now, August, 2002)
"The Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS) ... has put the concept and the term ‘light pollution’ onto the political agenda of the UK. ... The book scopes the problem for amateur astronomers, identifies good and bad lighting practice, and points towards solutions. ... I hope that Bob Mizon and his colleagues ... keep the campaign up. I wish them well in their aim – the strategy and tactics well covered in this book – to reduce over-bright outdoor lights and keep the light beams pointing down." (Paul Murdin, The Observatory, Vol. 122 (1169), 2002)
"Bob Mizon has written a brave, thought provoking book about a depressive subject. Mizon is the enthusiastic astronomer, optimist and friendly communicator spearheading the Campaign for Dark Skies in the UK. The book has three main chapters ... broken into various sub-sections for easy reading. ... There is also a useful glossary and index. ... This book points readers in the right direction. ... I recommend it." (Cliff Meredith, Popular Astronomy, Vol. 49 (2), 2002)
