Blanco Nighttime Skies

8/6/2019 Blanco Nighttime Skies

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(Achieve note: Presentation made 18Jul11 atthe Blanco Library for the Blanco CityCouncil, P&Z, and Historical Commission.)


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Never doubt that a

small group ofthoughtful, committedcitizens can change theworld. Indeed, it is theonly thing that ever

has.

-- Margaret Mead,Anthropologist


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The Earth from Space at Night

80%-90% of the Earths population cannot see the Milky Way.


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Or rather, WE have dimmed the heavens.


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Night Sky

Preservation

Light

Pollution

Abatement

Preserve our nightskies and our MilkyWay and give us backwhat weve lost.


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But Not just a Feel Good

Sentimental IssueDark Sky tourism is an economic development issue

Potentially bigger than the Blanco Lavender FestivalTourism = Revenue ($$$) for Blanco businesses and theBlanco City GovernmentMore Revenue = More and Better City Services to improvethe quality of life for all Blanco citizens

Tourists often become residents in retirementA growing community, properly managed to preserveBlancos rural heritage and sense of place, is good forBlancoPreserving the Dark Skies we still have andreclaiming our lost Dark Sky heritage through lightpollution abatement will benefit Blanco in multiple

ways


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MANIFESTATIONS OF LIGHT

POLLUTION


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When light spills into the sky, it reflects off of tinyairborne dust and moisture particles.

This happens even on very clear evenings andadversely affects the view of the sky even for those

far from the source of the light.

Sky glow is a curablecondition and we can still

have adequate and safeillumination in the outdoorenvironment.


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Sky Glow = Wasted Light

Wasted Light = Wasted Energy = Wasted Money$$$


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Light that falls outside the property on which it isgenerated


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Glare

Light that shines directly into ones eyesIs both irritating and dangerousEspecially a problem for old people and the visuallyimpaired


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Simple Problem

Common SenseSolutions


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Night Sky Polluting Fixtures


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Retrofit Shields


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Good Bad


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RetrofitShields


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Fights Light Pollution, Light Trespass, and Glare


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Shields can increase effectiveness


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GOALS:


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The Way Ahead


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Conduct Community EducationNewspaper articlesPresentations to community organizationsSchool programsStars-in-the-Park program at Blanco State Park

Encourage Community InvolvementReestablish the Chamber of Commerce-sponsoredBusiness Recognition Program

Seek voluntary compliance beyond the currentrequirements


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SEAL

Awarded to: Rileys Bar-B-Q/ Rockin R Steakhouse

Presented this ____ day of April, 2008 in Blanco, Texas

Signed: _____________________Jim Rodrigue, Mayor


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Thanks, neighbor!


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SEAL

Presented to: Mr. & Mrs. John Q. Homeowner

Presented this ____ day of May, 2008 in Blanco, Texas

Signed: _____________________Jim Rodrigue, Mayor


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Refine a draft Comprehensive OutdoorLighting Ordinance

Now on hold pending: Municipal andCommercial Lighting Survey, CostEstimates, and City Council Backing

Need slight adjustment to currentUDC in conjunction with Blancos newSignage Ordinance that is currentlypending


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The End Result


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Reclaiming our MilkyWay, one star at a

time.


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Wayne Gosnell, 830-833-0586, [email protected]


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Starlight Oases Human Habitats Populated areas relatively free from the negative effectswhich impede

star viewing and decrease night sky quality. They include: Rural areas of outstanding singularity where the starry

sky view is part of their recognised identity and values. Small villages keeping their night sky reasonably free

from atmospheric and light pollution effects, where this resource isconsidered a

social, environmental and citizens cultural right.


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Poor security lighting,using an old fashion 175 watt mercury fixture


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NON POLLUTING FIXTURES


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Almost a definition of light trespass,at an installation in San Francisco.


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A good antique (or period lighting) fixture, full cutoff


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Use of a full cutoff fixture for a parking lot


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Here is another good example,using lighting fixtures with good control of the light output.


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Skyglow

1. It causes an atmospheric phenomenon known as skyglow. Have youever noticed the clouds overhead glowing an eerie pink, white, ororange color before? This wasted light is known as skyglow. Ithappens because of poorly designed and improperly aimed lightfixtures called luminaires. Luminaires that do not offer adequateshielding usually spill wasted light into the sky and across propertylines where it does not benefit anyone. When light spills into the sky, it

reflects off of tiny airborne dust and moisture particles. This happenseven on very clear evenings, too. The skyglow phenomenon directlyaffects the scientific research of amateur and professionalastronomers. It also affects everyone else who simply enjoys a darknight sky abundant with stars overhead. Skyglow is a curablecondition, and we can still have adequate and safe illumination in the

outdoor environment.


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Light Trespass

2. Another form of Light Pollution is whenillumination crosses property lines.This is called Light Trespass. Mostpeople today have experienced lighttrespass to some degree. Whensomeone else's illumination shinesthrough your windows at night it is light

trespassing onto your property. Thisis not only a nuisance, it can alsoaffect your safety. Light trespass canprevent you from using your propertyoutdoors at night when wishing togaze at the stars while lying on a

blanket or viewing through a telescopeor binoculars.


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Glare

3. Light pollution alsooccurs when too muchillumination is applied toan area and a conditioncalled glare results.Glare is defined as a

visible source ofillumination that causesa reduction in visualperformance or anirritation.


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Light Pollution occurs in three forms:

Sky GlowLight TrespassGlare


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Light that trespasses onto neighboring property is annoying, wastes energy and

obscures the night sky.You can reduce lighting trespass by:

Aiming lights downChoosing fixtures with hoods or visors that control lightInstalling motion sensors to turn lights off automatically when they are not neededUsing the correct wattage fixture. If 70 watts will do, why use 400? Lighting should not beoverly bright in relation to the surrounding area.


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Never doubt that a small group ofthoughtful, committed citizens can changethe world. Indeed, it is the only thing that

ever has.

-- Margaret Mead, Anthropologist


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Because of Light Pollution

90% of the Earths population cannot see the Milky Way.


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Blanco Nighttime Skies