(Achieve note: Presentation made 18Jul11 at the Blanco Library for the Blanco City Council, P&Z, and

Historical Commission.)

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

Consider

The Earth from Space at Night

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

Or rather, WE have dimmed the heavens.

Preserve our night skies and our Milky Way and give us back what weve lost.

Night Sky Preservation

Light Pollution Abatement

But Not just a Feel Good Sentimental Issue

Dark Sky tourism is an economic development issue Potentially bigger than the Blanco Lavender Festival ourism = Revenue ($$$) for Blanco businesses and the T Blanco City Government More Revenue = More and Better City Services to improve the quality of life for all Blanco citizens Tourists often become residents in retirement A growing community, properly managed to preserve Blancos rural heritage and sense of place, is good for Blanco Preserving the Dark Skies we still have and reclaiming our lost Dark Sky heritage through light pollution abatement will benefit Blanco in multiple ways

MANIFESTATIONS OF LIGHT POLLUTION

When light spills into the sky, it reflects off of tiny airborne dust and moisture particles. This happens even on very clear evenings and adversely affects the view of the sky even for those far from the source of the light.

Sky glow is a curable condition and we can still have adequate and safe illumination in the outdoor environment.

Sky Glow = Wasted Light

Wasted Light = Wasted Energy = Wasted Money $$$

Light that falls outside the property on which it is generated

Glare
Light that shines directly into ones eyes Is both irritating and dangerous Especially a problem for old people and the visually impaired

Simple Problem Common Sense Solutions

Night Sky Polluting Fixtures

Retrofit Shields

Good

Bad

Retrofit Shields

Fights Light Pollution, Light Trespass, and Glare

Shields can increase effectiveness

GOALS:

The Way Ahead

Conduct Community Education Newspaper articles Presentations to community organizations School programs Stars-in-the-Park program at Blanco State Park Encourage Community Involvement Reestablish the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Business Recognition Program Seek voluntary compliance beyond the current requirements

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

SEAL
Presented this ____ day of April, 2008 in Blanco, Texas Signed: _____________________Jim Rodrigue, Mayor

Thanks, neighbor!

Presented to: Mr.

& Mrs. John Q. Homeowner

SEAL
Presented this ____ day of May, 2008 in Blanco, Texas Signed: _____________________Jim Rodrigue, Mayor

Refine

a draft Comprehensive Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Now on hold pending: Municipal and Commercial Lighting Survey, Cost Estimates, and City Council Backing Need slight adjustment to current UDC in conjunction with Blancos new Signage Ordinance that is currently pending

The End Result

Reclaiming our Milky Way, one star at a time.

Wayne Gosnell, 830-833-0586, GosnellTexas@Gmail.com

 Starlight Oases Human Habitats Populated areas relatively free from the negative effects

which 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 is considered a social, environmental and citizens cultural right.

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

NON POLLUTING FIXTURES

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

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

Use of a full cutoff fixture for a parking lot

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

Skyglow
1. It causes an atmospheric phenomenon known as skyglow. Have you ever noticed the clouds overhead glowing an eerie pink, white, or orange color before? This wasted light is known as skyglow. It happens because of poorly designed and improperly aimed light fixtures called luminaires. Luminaires that do not offer adequate shielding usually spill wasted light into the sky and across property lines where it does not benefit anyone. When light spills into the sky, it reflects off of tiny airborne dust and moisture particles. This happens even on very clear evenings, too. The skyglow phenomenon directly affects the scientific research of amateur and professional astronomers. It also affects everyone else who simply enjoys a dark night sky abundant with stars overhead. Skyglow is a curable condition, and we can still have adequate and safe illumination in the outdoor environment.

Light Trespass
2. Another form of Light Pollution is when illumination crosses property lines. This is called Light Trespass. Most people today have experienced light trespass to some degree. When someone else's illumination shines through your windows at night it is light trespassing onto your property. This is not only a nuisance, it can also affect your safety. Light trespass can prevent you from using your property outdoors at night when wishing to gaze at the stars while lying on a blanket or viewing through a telescope or binoculars.

Glare
3. Light pollution also occurs when too much illumination is applied to an area and a condition called glare results. Glare is defined as a visible source of illumination that causes a reduction in visual performance or an irritation.

Light Pollution occurs in three forms:

Sky Glow Light Trespass Glare

Light that trespasses onto neighboring property is annoying, wastes energy and obscures the night sky.
You can reduce lighting trespass by: Aiming lights down Choosing fixtures with hoods or visors that control light Installing motion sensors to turn lights off automatically when they are not needed Using the correct wattage fixture. If 70 watts will do, why use 400? Lighting should not be overly bright in relation to the surrounding area.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

Because of Light Pollution

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