Publications Topics:

Books

ASP Conference Series

Monograph Publications

IAU Publications

Books of Note

Purchase through the AstroShop

Journals

Publications of the ASP (PASP)

Magazines

Mercury Magazine

Archive

Guidelines for Authors

Order Mercury Issues

Mercury Advertising Rates

Newletters

The Universe in the Classroom

ASP E-mail Newsletters

Special Features

Astronomy Beat

Contact Us

Mercury Winter 2009 Table of Contents

by Rowena Davis

What do the reproductive habits of sea turtles have to do with the view of the constellation Cassiopeia? How can smart security practices help inner-city children locate Orion’s Belt in the sky? These threads are all tied to the concept of sensible lighting.

Such concerns can become the basis of a smart lighting plan that enhances safety and recreation while improving nighttime ambiance and revealing the tapestry of stars unobscured by light pollution. Without care, the myriad needs of a developed society can blanket the night with inappropriate illumination that robs citizens in cities around the globe of a vital natural resource.

For 20 years the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has made the task of protecting the night its sole mission.

If you enjoyed this excerpt from a feature article and would like to receive our quarterly Mercury magazine, we invite you to join the ASP and receive 4 issues a year.