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### SAO/NASA ADSarXiv e-prints Abstract Service

Title:              Sky Quality Meter measurements in a colour changing
world
Authors:            Sánchez de Miguel, A.; Zamorano, M. Aubé J.;
Kocifaj, M.; Roby, J.; Tapia, C.
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1701.05019
Publication Date:   01/2017
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics
Comment:            Accepted on MNRAS: ref. MN-16-1235-MJ.R2 Accepted
2017 January 17. Received 2017 January 12; in
original form 2016 April 15
Bibliographic Code: 2017arXiv170105019S


### Abstract

The Sky Quality Meter (SQM) has become the most common device to track the evolution of the brightness of the sky from polluted regions to first class astronomical observatories. A vast database of SQM measurements already exists for many places in the world. Unfortunately, the SQM operates over a wide spectral band and its spectral response interacts with the sky's spectrum in a complex manner. This is why the optical signals are difficult to interpret when the data are recorded in regions with different sources of artificial light. The brightness of the night sky is linked in a complex way to ground-based light emissions while taking into account atmospheric-induced optical distortion as well as spectral transformation from the underlying ground surfaces. While the spectral modulation of the sky's radiance has been recognized, it still remains poorly characterized and quantified. The impact of the SQM's spectral characteristics on the sky brightness measurements is here analysed for different light sources, including low and high pressure sodium lamps, PC-amber and white LEDs, metal halide, and mercury lamps. We show that a routine conversion of radiance to magnitude is difficult or rather impossible because the average wavelength depends on actual atmospheric and environment conditions, the spectrum of the source, and device specific properties. We correlate SQM readings with both the Johnson astronomical photometry bands and the human system of visual perception, assuming different lighting technologies. These findings have direct implications for the processing of SQM data and for its improvement and/or remediation.

Title:              Automatic Rotational Sky Quality Meter (R-SQM)
Design and Software for Astronomical Observatories
Authors:            Dogan, E.; Ozbaldan, E. E.; Shameoni, Niaei M.;
Yesilyaprak, C.
Affiliation:        AA(Atatürk University Application and Research
Center for Astrophysics (ATASAM), 25240, Erzurum,
Turkey
document.write(mkemail("cahity","","atauni","edu","tr"));)

Publication:        IV Workshop on Robotic Autonomous Observatories
(Eds. María Dolores Caballero-García, Shasi B.
Pandey, David Hiriart & Alberto J. Castro-Tirado)
Revista Mexicana de Astronomía y Astrofísica (Serie
de Conferencias) Vol. 48, pp. 31-32 (2016) (RMxAC
Homepage)
Publication Date:   12/2016
Origin:             RMXAA
Keywords:           atmospheric effects, telescopes
Nacional Autónoma de México
Bibliographic Code: 2016RMxAC..48...31D


### Abstract

We have presented the new design of Sky Quality Meter (SQM) device that is an automatic rotational model of sky quality meter (R-SQM) carried out by DAG (Eastern Anatolia Observatory) Technical Team. R-SQM is required for determining the long-term changes of sky quality of an astronomical observatory and consists of four SQM devices mounted on a rotating shaft with different angles for scanning all sky. This system is controlled by a Raspberry Pi control card and a step motor with its driver and a special software.

Title:              Rapid approach to the quantitative determination of
territories: a clear-sky case
Authors:            Kocifaj, Miroslav; Petržala, Jaromír
9, 845 03 Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Department of
Experimental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics,
Physics, and Informatics, Comenius University,
Mlynská dolina, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
document.write(mkemail("kocifaj","","savba","sk"));), AB(ICA, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Road 9, 845 03 Bratislava, Slovak Republic)

Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 462, Issue 3, p.2739-2746 (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   11/2016
Origin:             OUP
Astronomy Keywords: light pollution
Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society
DOI:                10.1093/mnras/stw1671
Bibliographic Code: 2016MNRAS.462.2739K


### Abstract

A zero-order approach to the solving of the radiative transfer equation and a method for obtaining the horizontal diffuse irradiance at night-time are both developed and intended for wide use in numerical predictions of nocturnal ground irradiance in populated territories. Downward diffuse radiative fluxes are computed with a two-stream approximation, and the data products obtained are useful for scientists who require rapid estimations of illumination levels during the night. The rapid technique presented here is especially important when the entire set of calculations is to be repeated for different lighting technologies and/or radiant intensity distributions with the aim of identifying high-level illuminance/irradiance, the spectral composition of scattered light or other optical properties of diffuse light at the ground level. The model allows for the computation of diffuse horizontal irradiance due to light emissions from ground-based sources with arbitrary spectral compositions. The optical response of a night sky is investigated using the ratio of downward to upward irradiance, R⊥, λ(0). We show that R⊥, λ(0) generally peaks at short wavelengths, thus suggesting that, e.g., the blue light of an LED lamp would make the sky even more bluish. However, this effect can be largely suppressed or even removed with the spectral sensitivity function of the average human eye superimposed on to the lamp spectrum. Basically, blue light scattering dominates at short optical distances, while red light is transmitted for longer distances and illuminates distant places. Computations are performed for unshielded as well as fully shielded lights, while the spectral function R⊥, λ(0) is tabulated to make possible the modelling of various artificial lights, including those not presented here.

Title:              Sky brightness and twilight measurements at
Jogyakarta city, Indonesia
Authors:            Herdiwijaya, Dhani
Affiliation:        AA(Astronomy Research Division and Bosscha
Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesha 10,
Bandung, Indonesia 40132)
Publication:        Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 771,
Issue 1, article id. 012033 (2016).
Publication Date:   11/2016
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1742-6596/771/1/012033
Bibliographic Code: 2016JPhCS.771a2033H


### Abstract

The sky brightness measurements were performed using a portable photometer. A pocket-sized and low-cost photometer has 20 degree area measurement, and spectral ranges between 320-720 nm with output directly in magnitudes per arc second square (mass) unit. The sky brightness with 3 seconds temporal resolutions was recorded at Jogyakarta city (110° 25’ E; 70° 52’ S; elevation 100 m) within 136 days in years from 2014 to 2016. The darkest night could reach 22.61 mpass only in several seconds, with mean value 18.8±0.7 mpass and temperature variation 23.1±1.2 C. The difference of mean sky brightness between before and after midnight was about -0.76 mpass or 2.0 times brighter. Moreover, the sky brightness and temperature fluctuations were more stable in after midnight than in before midnight. It is suggested that city light pollution affects those variations, and subsequently duration of twilight. By comparing twilight brightness for several places, we also suggest a 17° solar dip or about 66 minutes before sunrise for new time of Fajr prayer.

Title:              The Assembled Solar Eclipse Package (ASEP) in Bangka
Indonesia during the total solar eclipse on March 9,
2016
Authors:            Puji Asmoro, Cahyo; Wijaya, Agus Fany Chandra;
Dwi Ardi, Nanang; Abdurrohman, Arman;
Aria Utama, Judhistira; Sutiadi, Asep; Hikmat;
Ramlan Ramalis, Taufik; Suyardi, Bintang
Affiliation:        AA(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
No 229 Bandung 40154
document.write(mkemail("cp","asmoro","","upi","edu"));), AB(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AC(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AD(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AE(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AF(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AG(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AH(Earth and Space Laboratory, Physics Department, Universitas Pen!
didikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No 229 Bandung 40154), AI(Kementrian Komunikasi dan Informatika (KOMINFO), Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No 9 Jakarta 10110)

Publication:        Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 771,
Issue 1, article id. 012020 (2016).
Publication Date:   11/2016
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1742-6596/771/1/012020
Bibliographic Code: 2016JPhCS.771a2020P


### Abstract

The Assembled Solar Eclipse Package (ASEP) is not only an integrated apparatus constructed to obtain imaging data during solar eclipse, but also it involved sky brightness and live streaming requirement. Main four parts of ASEP are composed by two imaging data recorders, one high definition video streaming camera, and a sky quality meter instrument (SQM) linked by a personal computer and motorized mounting. The parts are common instruments which are used for education or personal use. The first part is used to capture corona and prominence image during totality. For the second part, video is powerful data in order to educate public through web streaming lively. The last part, SQM is used to confirm our imaging data during obscuration. The perfect prominence picture was obtained by one of the data capture using William-Optics F=388mm with Nikon DSLR D3100. In addition, the diamond ring and corona were recorded by the second imaging tool using Sky Watcher F=910mm with Canon DSLR 60D. The third instrument is the Sony HXR MC5 streaming set to be able to broadcast to public domain area via official website. From the SQM, the value of the darkness during totality is quiet similar as a dawn condition. Finally, ASEP was entirely successful and be able to fulfil our competency as educational researcher in university.

Title:              The sky brightness measurement during the 2016 solar
eclipse in Ternate
Authors:            Pramudya, Yudhiakto; Arkanuddin, Muchlas
Affiliation:        AA(Program Studi Magister Pendidikan Fisika
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Jl. Pramuka 42, Yogyakarta
55161, Indonesia; Pusat Studi Astronomi Universitas
Ahmad Dahlan, Jl. Gondosuli 1, Yogyakarta 55166,
Indonesia), AB(Program Studi Magister Pendidikan
Fisika Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Jl. Pramuka 42,
Yogyakarta 55161, Indonesia; Pusat Studi Astronomi
Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Jl. Gondosuli 1,
Yogyakarta 55166, Indonesia)
Publication:        Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 771,
Issue 1, article id. 012013 (2016).
Publication Date:   11/2016
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1742-6596/771/1/012013
Bibliographic Code: 2016JPhCS.771a2013P


### Abstract

Obscuration of the Sun by the Moon during total solar eclipse generates the changing of the sky brightness. Sky Quality Meter (SQM) was employed to measure the sky brightness during the 2016 total solar eclipse. The sky was still bright at the first contact time. It is shown by the SQM value of zero. Approaching the second contact time, the SQM value is rising up started at the value of 5.92 mpsas. The curvature profile of the SQM measurementvalue is similar to the curvature profile of the SQM measurement at the dawn and dusk. However, the flatness part of the curvature is much shorter than night time value of SQM. The maximum of SQM measurement value is lower than the SQM measurement value during the night in Ternate. It is 12.47 mpsas and happened at the maximum phase of the eclipse. It was confirmed by the fact that at the time of totality, the sky close to the horizon was still bright. There is a discrepancy between the predicted and actual second and third contact and maximum eclipse time. By assigning the maximum of SQM measurement value as the reference value of maximum eclipse time, the actual second and third time can be calculated. The shape of curvature between the actual second and third contact time is symmetry.

Title:              Zenith sky brightness and celestial objects
visibility during total solar eclipse on March 9,
2016 at Terentang Beach Bangka Island
Authors:            Wijaya, A. F. C.; Asmoro, C. P.;
Rochman, A. A.; Ramalis, T. R.; Utama, J. A.;
Ardi, N. D.; Amsor; Nugraha, M. G.;
Saepuzaman, D.; Sutiadi, A.; Nurfiani, D.
Affiliation:        AA(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AB(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AC(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AD(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AE(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AF(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AG(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AH(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AI(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia),
AJ(Department of Physics Education, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi
229 Bandung 40154 Jawa Barat Indonesia), AK(Earth
Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore)
Publication:        Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 771,
Issue 1, article id. 012012 (2016).
Publication Date:   11/2016
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1742-6596/771/1/012012
Bibliographic Code: 2016JPhCS.771a2012W


### Abstract

This paper endeavor to describe sky brightness measurements which was carried out by a team of total solar eclipse observers (TOGEMA) on 9th March 2016. The observations took place at Tarentang Beach, Bangka Island and it utilized the SQM-LU instrument (Sky Quality Meter- USB Connector) with 1 second time interval data. During total phase that lasted about 1 minute 52 seconds, the instrument recorded the brightness of the sky of 12.88 mag/["]2 as the dimmest value. This value is approximately 500 times brighter than the dimmest night sky conditions at the same location, obtained on the previous observation. It was found that the brightest sky that could be measured by SQM-LU during Total Solar Eclipse (TSE) 2016 was 5.91 mag/["]2. The activity with digital camera also captured the appearance of Venus and Mercury. The appearance of Venus (-3.71 mag) confirmed naked eye limited magnitude theory. This may explain the inability of observers to perceive Mercury (0.46 mag) using naked eye during the total phase of solar eclipse.

Title:              Night sky brightness measurement at PERMATApintar
observatory
Authors:            Azhar, A. D.; Gopir, G.;
Kamil, W. M. A. Wan Mohd; Mohamad, N. S.;
Azmi, N. Che
Affiliation:        AA(School of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and
Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600
UKM Bangi, Malaysia), AB(School of Applied Physics,
Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia),
AC(School of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and
Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600
Gifted Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600
UKM Bangi, Malaysia), AE(PERMATApintar National
Gifted Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600
UKM Bangi, Malaysia)
Publication:        AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 1784, Issue 1,
id.040003 (AIPC Homepage)
Publication Date:   11/2016
Origin:             AIP
DOI:                10.1063/1.4966789
Bibliographic Code: 2016AIPC.1784d0003A


### Abstract

One of the quality parameter of an astronomical site testing is sky brightness. We measure the night sky brightness over PERMATApintar Observatory to obtain the first preliminary sky brightness reading. The measurement is done by using an Unihedron Sky Quality Meter (SQM-LU) with a position pointing zenith. Six measurements have been done during the period of January to March 2016. The measurement is taken between approximately 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on each of the night. The best (darken) night sky brightness reading is 19.54 mag/arcsec2 obtained on March 11th, 2016. The preliminary average reading of sky brightness is 17.20 mag/arcsec2. Comparison with previous similar measurement for the same type of area (suburban area) shows that our data is within the range of the sky brightness for suburban area, which is 19.5 to 20.7 mag/arcsec2.

Title:              Optical Observing Conditions at Delingha Station
Authors:            Tian, J. F.; Deng, L. C.; Zhang, X. B.;
Lu, X. M.; Sun, J. J.; Liu, Q. L.; Zhou, Q.;
Yan, Z. Z.; Xin, Y.; Wang, K.; Jiang, X. J.;
Luo, Z. Q.; Yang, J.
Affiliation:        AA(Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National
Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China ;  University of
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China),
AB(Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National
Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China), AC(Key Laboratory
of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical
Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
100012, China), AD(Key Laboratory of Optical
Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100012,
China), AE(Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China),
AF(Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China), AG(Purple
Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Nanjing, 210008, China), AH(Key Laboratory of
Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical
Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
100012, China;  University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Beijing 100049, China), AI(Key Laboratory
of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical
Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
100012, China), AJ(Key Laboratory of Optical
Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China;
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
100049, China), AK(Key Laboratory of Optical
Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100012,
China), AL(Physics and Space Science College, China
West Normal University, Nanchong 637002, China),
AM(Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China)
Publication:        Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific,
Volume 128, Issue 968, pp. 105003 (2016). (PASP
Homepage)
Publication Date:   10/2016
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1538-3873/128/968/105003
Bibliographic Code: 2016PASP..128j5003T


### Abstract

SONG is a global ground-based network of 1m telescopes for stellar time-domain science, an international collaboration involving many countries across the world. In order to enable a favorable duty cycle, the SONG network plans to create a homogeneous distribution of four nodes in each of the northern and southern hemispheres. An expected possibility was building one of the northern nodes in East Asia, preferably on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. During the last decade, a great deal of effort has been invested in searching for a high-quality site for ground-based astronomy in China, since this has been one of the major concerns for the development of Chinese astronomy. A number of sites on the plateau have been in operation for many years, but most of them are used only for radio astronomy, as well as small optical telescopes that are used for applied astronomy. Several potential sites for large optical instruments have been identified by the plateau site survey, but so far none of them have been adequately quantitatively characterized. Here we present results from a detailed multi-year study of the Delingha site, which was eventually selected for the SONG-China node. We also describe the site-monitoring system that will allow an isolated SONG and 50BiN node to operate safely in an automated mode.

Title:              Urban artificial light emission function determined
experimentally using night sky images
Authors:            Solano Lamphar, Héctor Antonio; Kocifaj, Miroslav
Affiliation:        AA(Cátedras CONACYT, Instituto de Investigaciones
Dr. José María Luis Mora, Centro Interdisciplinario
de Estudios Metropolitanos (CentroMet), Plaza
Valentín Gómez Farías #12 San Juan Mixcoac, México
D.F. 03730, Mexico), AB(ICA, Slovak Academy of
Sciences, Dúbravská Road 9, 845 03 Bratislava,
Slovakia)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 87-95. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Light pollution, Scattering, Atmospheric effects,
Artificial light, Numerical modeling
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.04.027
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...87S


### Abstract

To date, diverse approximations have been developed to interpret the radiance of a night sky due to light emissions from ground-based light sources. The radiant intensity distribution as a function of zenith angle is one of the most unknown properties because of the collective effects of all artificial, private and public lights. The emission function (EF) is, however, a key property in modeling the skyglow under arbitrary conditions, and thus it is equally required by modelers, light pollution researchers, and also experimentalists who are using specialized devices to study the diffuse light of a night sky.

In this paper, we present the second generation of a dedicated measuring system intended for routine monitoring of a night sky in any region. The experimental technology we have developed is used to interpret clear sky radiance data recorded at a set of discrete distances from a town (or city) with the aim to infer the fraction of upwardly emitted light (F), that is a parameter scaling the bulk EF. The retrieval of the direct upward emissions has been improved by introducing a weighting factor that is used to eliminate imperfections of experimental data and thus to make the computation of F more stable when processing the radiance data taken at two adjacent measuring points. The field experiments made in three Mexican cities are analyzed and the differences found are discussed.

Title:              Indoor calibration of Sky Quality Meters: Linearity,
spectral responsivity and uncertainty analysis
Authors:            Pravettoni, M.; Strepparava, D.;
Cereghetti, N.; Klett, S.; Andretta, M.; Steiger, M.
Affiliation:        AA(University of Applied Sciences and Arts of
Southern Switzerland, CH-6952 Canobbio,
Switzerland), AB(University of Applied Sciences and
Arts of Southern Switzerland, CH-6952 Canobbio,
Switzerland), AC(University of Applied Sciences and
Arts of Southern Switzerland, CH-6952 Canobbio,
Ticino, CH-6998 Termine, Switzerland), AE(Repubblica
e Cantone Ticino, Ufficio del Monitoraggio
Ambientale, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland),
AF(Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Ufficio del
Monitoraggio Ambientale, CH-6500 Bellinzona,
Switzerland)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 74-86. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Light pollution, Night sky brightness, Photometry,
Calibration, Spectral responsivity, Solar simulators
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.03.015
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...74P


### Abstract

The indoor calibration of brightness sensors requires extremely low values of irradiance in the most accurate and reproducible way. In this work the testing equipment of an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory for electrical testing, qualification and type approval of solar photovoltaic modules was modified in order to test the linearity of the instruments from few mW/cm2 down to fractions of nW/cm2, corresponding to levels of simulated brightness from 6 to 19 mag/arcsec2. Sixteen Sky Quality Meter (SQM) produced by Unihedron, a Canadian manufacturer, were tested, also assessing the impact of the ageing of their protective glasses on the calibration coefficients and the drift of the instruments. The instruments are in operation on measurement points and observatories at different sites and altitudes in Southern Switzerland, within the framework of OASI, the Environmental Observatory of Southern Switzerland. The authors present the results of the calibration campaign: linearity; brightness calibration, with and without protective glasses; transmittance measurement of the glasses; and spectral responsivity of the devices. A detailed uncertainty analysis is also provided, according to the ISO 17025 standard.

Title:              High resolution map of light pollution over Poland
Authors:            Netzel, Henryka; Netzel, Paweł
Affiliation:        AA(Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw,
Poland), AB(Space Informatics Lab, University of
Cincinnati, OH, USA)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 67-73. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Light pollution, Modeling, GIS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.03.014
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...67N


### Abstract

In 1976 Berry introduced a simple mathematical equation to calculate artificial night sky brightness at zenith. In the original model cities, considered as points with given population, are only sources of light emission. In contrary to Berry's model, we assumed that all terrain surface can be a source of light. Emission of light depends on percent of built up area in a given cell. We based on Berry's model. Using field measurements and high-resolution data we obtained the map of night sky brightness over Poland in 100-m resolution. High resolution input data, combined with a very simple model, makes it possible to obtain detailed structures of the night sky brightness without complicating the calculations.

Title:              Testing sky brightness models against radial
dependency: A dense two dimensional survey around
Authors:            Zamorano, J.; Sánchez de Miguel, A.; Ocaña, F.;
Pila-Díez, B.; Gómez Castaño, J.; Pascual, S.;
Tapia, C.; Gallego, J.; Fernández, A.; Nievas, M.
Affiliation:        AA(Dept. Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera,
Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; >These authors
contributed equally to this work), AB(Dept.
Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Madrid, Spain; >These authors contributed equally to
this work), AC(Dept. Astrofísica y CC. de la
Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; >These authors
contributed equally to this work), AD(Dept.
Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Madrid, Spain; >These authors contributed equally to
this work), AE(Dept. Astrofísica y CC. de la
Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; >These authors
contributed equally to this work), AF(Dept.
Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Madrid, Spain; >These authors contributed equally to
this work), AG(Dept. Astrofísica y CC. de la
Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; >These authors
contributed equally to this work), AH(Dept.
Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Madrid, Spain; >These authors contributed equally to
this work), AI(Dept. Astrofísica y CC. de la
Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; >These authors
contributed equally to this work), AJ(Dept.
Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera, Universidad
Madrid, Spain; >These authors contributed equally to
this work)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 52-66. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Light pollution, Techniques: photometric, Remote
sensing, Artificial sky glow
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.02.029
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...52Z


### Abstract

We present a study of the night sky brightness around the extended metropolitan area of Madrid using Sky Quality Meter (SQM) photometers. The map is the first to cover the spatial distribution of the sky brightness in the centre of the Iberian peninsula. These surveys are necessary to test the light pollution models that predict night sky brightness as a function of the location and brightness of the sources of light pollution and the scattering of light in the atmosphere. We describe the data-retrieval methodology, which includes an automated procedure to measure from a moving vehicle in order to speed up the data collection, providing a denser and wider survey than previous works with similar time frames. We compare the night sky brightness map to the nocturnal radiance measured from space by the DMSP satellite. We find that (i) a single source model is not enough to explain the radial evolution of the night sky brightness, despite the predominance of Madrid in size and population and (ii) that the orography of the region should be taken into account when deriving geo-specific models from general first-principles models. We show the tight relationship between these two luminance measures. This finding sets up an alternative roadmap to extended studies over the globe that will not require the local deployment of photometers or trained personnel.

Title:              Qualifying lighting remodelling in a Hungarian city
based on light pollution effects
Authors:            Kolláth, Z.; Dömény, A.; Kolláth, K.; Nagy, B.
Affiliation:        AA(University of West Hungary, Savaria Campus,
Institute of Mathematics and Physics, Szombathely,
Hungary), AB(University of West Hungary, Savaria
Campus, Institute of Mathematics and Physics,
Szombathely, Hungary), AC(University of West
Hungary, Savaria Campus, Institute of Mathematics
and Physics, Szombathely, Hungary), AD(University of
West Hungary, Savaria Campus, Institute of
Mathematics and Physics, Szombathely, Hungary)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 46-51. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Light pollution, Radiative transfer, Light
scattering, Skyglow photometry
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.02.025
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...46K


### Abstract

The public lighting system has been remodelled in several Hungarian cities. In some cases the majority of the old luminaries were fitted with high pressure sodium lamps and they were replaced with white LED lighting with a typical correlated colour temperature of about 4500 K. Therefore, these remodelling works provide a testbed for methods in measurements and modelling. We measured the luminance of the light domes of selected cities by DSLR photometry before and after the remodelling.

Thanks to the full cut off design of the new lighting fixtures we obtained a slight decrease even in the blue part of the sky dome spectra of a tested city. However, we have to note that this positive change is the result of the bad geometry (large ULR) of the previous lighting system. Based on Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations we provide a comparison of different indicators that can be used to qualify the remodelling, and to predict the possible changes in light pollution.

Title:              Photometric indicators of visual night sky quality
derived from all-sky brightness maps
Authors:            Duriscoe, Dan M.
Affiliation:        AA(U.S. National Park Service, Natural Sounds and
Night Skies Division, 351 Pacu Lane, Bishop, CA
93514, USA)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 33-45. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Night sky brightness, Broadband photometry, Image
processing, Numerical methods
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.02.022
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...33D


### Abstract

Wide angle or fisheye cameras provide a high resolution record of artificial sky glow, which results from the scattering of escaped anthropogenic light by the atmosphere, over the sky vault in the moonless nocturnal environment. Analysis of this record yields important indicators of the extent and severity of light pollution. The following indicators were derived through numerical analysis of all-sky brightness maps: zenithal, average all-sky, median, brightest, and darkest sky brightness. In addition, horizontal and vertical illuminance, resulting from sky brightness were computed. A natural reference condition to which the anthropogenic component may be compared is proposed for each indicator, based upon an iterative analysis of a high resolution natural sky model. All-sky brightness data, calibrated in the V band by photometry of standard stars and converted to luminance, from 406 separate data sets were included in an exploratory analysis. Of these, six locations representing a wide range of severity of impact from artificial sky brightness were selected as examples and examined in detail. All-sky average brightness is the most unbiased indicator of impact to the environment, and is more sensitive and accurate in areas of slight to moderate light pollution impact than zenith brightness. Maximum vertical illuminance provides an excellent indicator of impacts to wilderness character, as does measures of the brightest portions of the sky. Zenith brightness, the workhorse of field campaigns, is compared to the other indicators and found to correlate well with horizontal illuminance, especially at relatively bright sites. The median sky brightness describes a brightness threshold for the upper half of the sky, of importance to telescopic optical astronomy. Numeric indicators, in concert with all-sky brightness maps, provide a complete assessment of visual sky quality at a site.

Title:              Evaluating the summer night sky brightness at a
research field site on Lake Stechlin in northeastern
Germany
Authors:            Jechow, Andreas; Hölker, Franz;
Kolláth, Zoltán; Gessner, Mark O.;
Kyba, Christopher C. M.
Affiliation:        AA(Ecohydrology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater
Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm
310, 12587 Berlin, Germany), AB(Ecohydrology,
Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland
Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin,
Germany), AC(University of West Hungary, Savaria
Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology
and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Alte Fischerhütte 2,
16775 Stechlin, Germany), AE(Ecohydrology, Leibniz
Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries
(IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 24-32. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.02.005
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...24J


### Abstract

We report luminance measurements of the summer night sky at a field site on a freshwater lake in northeastern Germany (Lake Stechlin) to evaluate the amount of artificial skyglow from nearby and distant towns in the context of a planned study on light pollution. The site is located about 70 km north of Berlin in a rural area possibly belonging to one of the darkest regions in Germany. Continuous monitoring of the zenith sky luminance between June and September 2015 was conducted utilizing a Sky Quality Meter. With this device, typical values for clear nights in the range of 21.5-21.7 magSQM/arcsec2 were measured, which is on the order of the natural sky brightness during starry nights. On overcast nights, values down to 22.84 magSQM/arcsec2 were obtained, which is about one third as bright as on clear nights. The luminance measured on clear nights as well as the darkening with the presence of clouds indicates that there is very little influence of artificial skyglow on the zenith sky brightness at this location. Furthermore, fish-eye lens sky imaging luminance photometry was performed with a digital single-lens reflex camera on a clear night in the absence of moonlight. The photographs unravel several distant towns as possible sources of light pollution on the horizon. However, the low level of artificial skyglow makes the field site at Lake Stechlin an excellent location to study the effects of skyglow on a lake ecosystem in a controlled fashion.

Title:              The spectral amplification effect of clouds to the
Authors:            Aubé, M.; Kocifaj, M.; Zamorano, J.;
Solano Lamphar, H. A.; Sanchez de Miguel, A.
Affiliation:        AA(Cégep de Sherbrooke, 475 rue du Cégep,
of Sciences, Dúbravská Road 9, 84503 Bratislava,
Slovakia), AC(Dep. Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera
1602, Col. Crédito Constructor Del. Benito Juárez,
C.P. 03940 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico), AE(Cégep
de Sherbrooke, 475 rue du Cégep, Sherbrooke, Canada
J1E 4K1)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 181, p. 11-23. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Sky brightness measurements, Cloud amplification
factor, Spectrum, Artificial light at night
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2016.01.032
Bibliographic Code: 2016JQSRT.181...11A


### Abstract

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) may have various environmental impacts ranging from compromising the visibility of astronomical objects to the perturbation of circadian cycles in animals and humans. In the past much research has been carried out to study the impact of ALAN on the radiance of the night sky during clear sky conditions. This was mainly justified by the need for a better understanding of the behavior of ALAN propagation into the environment in order to protect world-class astronomical facilities. More recently, alongside to the threat to the natural starry sky, many issues have emerged from the biological science community. It has been shown that, nearby or inside cities, the presence of cloud cover generally acts as an amplifier for artificial sky radiance while clouds behave as attenuators for remote observers. In this paper we show the spectral behavior of the zenith sky radiance amplification factor exerted by clouds inside a city. We compare in-situ measurements made with the spectrometer SAND-4 with a numerical model applied to the specific geographical context of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain.

Title:              Mount control system of the ASTRI SST-2M prototype
for the Cherenkov Telescope Array
Authors:            Antolini, Elisa; Tosti, Gino; Tanci, Claudio;
Bagaglia, Marco; Canestrari, Rodolfo;
Cascone, Enrico; Gambini, Giorgio;
Nucciarelli, Giuliano; Pareschi, Giovanni;
Scuderi, Salvo; Stringhetti, Luca;
Busatta, Andrea; Giacomel, Stefano;
Marchiori, Gianpietro; Manfrin, Cristiana;
Marcuzzi, Enrico; Di Michele, Daniele;
Grigolon, Carlo; Guarise, Paolo
Affiliation:        AA(Univ. of Perugia (Italy)), AB(Univ. of Perugia
(Italy)), AC(Univ. of Perugia (Italy)), AD(Univ. of
Perugia (Italy)), AE(INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico
di Brera (Italy)), AF(INAF - Osservatorio
Astronomico di Capodimonte (Italy)), AG(Univ. of
Perugia (Italy)), AH(Univ. of Perugia (Italy)),
AI(INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera
(Italy)), AJ(INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di
Catania (Italy)), AK(INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico
di Brera (Italy)), AL(EIE Group s.r.l. (Italy)),
AM(EIE Group s.r.l. (Italy)), AN(EIE Group s.r.l.
(Italy)), AO(EIE Group s.r.l. (Italy)), AP(EIE Group
s.r.l. (Italy)), AQ(Beckhoff Automation s.r.l.
(Italy)), AR(Beckhoff Automation s.r.l. (Italy)),
AS(Beckhoff Automation s.r.l. (Italy))
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9913, id. 99131J
20 pp. (2016). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   08/2016
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9781510602052
DOI:                10.1117/12.2230898
Bibliographic Code: 2016SPIE.9913E..1JA


### Abstract

The ASTRI SST-2M telescope is an end-to-end prototype proposed for the Small Size class of Telescopes (SST) of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). The prototype is installed in Italy at the INAF observing station located at Serra La Nave on Mount Etna (Sicily) and it was inaugurated in September 2014. This paper presents the software and hardware architecture and development of the system dedicated to the control of the mount, health, safety and monitoring systems of the ASTRI SST-2M telescope prototype. The mount control system installed on the ASTRI SST-2M telescope prototype makes use of standard and widely deployed industrial hardware and software. State of the art of the control and automation industries was selected in order to fulfill the mount related functional and safety requirements with assembly compactness, high reliability, and reduced maintenance. The software package was implemented with the Beckhoff TwinCAT version 3 environment for the software Programmable Logical Controller (PLC), while the control electronics have been chosen in order to maximize the homogeneity and the real time performance of the system. The integration with the high level controller (Telescope Control System) has been carried out by choosing the open platform communications Unified Architecture (UA) protocol, supporting rich data model while offering compatibility with the PLC platform. In this contribution we show how the ASTRI approach for the design and implementation of the mount control system has made the ASTRI SST-2M prototype a standalone intelligent machine, able to fulfill requirements and easy to be integrated in an array configuration such as the future ASTRI mini-array proposed to be installed at the southern site of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA).

Title:              DAG: a new observatory and a prospective observing
site for other potential telescopes
Authors:            Yeşilyaprak, Cahit; Yerli, Sinan K.;
Keskin, Onur; Güçsav, B. Bülent
Affiliation:        AA(Atatürk Üniv. (Turkey)), AB(Orta Doğu Teknik
Üniv. (Turkey)), AC(FMV Işık Univ. (Turkey)),
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9910, id. 99102U 6
pp. (2016). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   07/2016
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9781510601994
DOI:                10.1117/12.2234383
Bibliographic Code: 2016SPIE.9910E..2UY


### Abstract

DAG (Eastern Anatolia Observatory is read as "Doğu Anadolu Gözlemevi" in Turkish) is the newest and largest observatory of Turkey, constructed at an altitude of 3150 m in Konaklı/Erzurum provenience, with an optical and nearinfrared telescope (4 m in diameter) and its robust observing site infrastructure. This national project consists of three main phases: DAG (Telescope, Enclosure, Buildings and Infrastructures), FPI (Focal Plane Instruments and Adaptive Optics) and MCP (Mirror Coating Plant). All these three phases are supported by the Ministry of Development of Turkey and funding is awarded to Atatürk University. Telescope, enclosure and building tenders were completed in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The final design of telescope, enclosure and building and almost all main infrastructure components of DAG site have been completed; mainly: road work, geological and atmospheric surveys, electric and fiber cabling, water line, generator system, cable car to summit. This poster explains recent developments of DAG project and talks about the future possible collaborations for various telescopes which can be constructed at the site.

Title:              Night Sky Quality Measurements at the ATA50
Telescope
Authors:            Er, Hüseyin; Nasiroglu, Ilham; Guney, Yavuz
Publication:        41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly, abstracts from the
meeting that was to be held 30 July - 7 August at
the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC), Turkey, but was
cancelled. See
http://cospar2016.tubitak.gov.tr/en/, Abstract
D2.5-16-16.
Publication Date:   07/2016
Bibliographic Code: 2016cosp...41E.535E


### Abstract

One of the most important factor affecting the quality of the sky in astronomy is the light pollution (luminance of the night sky). Light pollution, also affects humans and wildlife in many ways. This effect occurs by using the light source of outdoor lighting in the wrong way. Light pollution can be reduced by lighting only what is actually needed, when and where it is needed. In generally, SQM (Sky Quality Meter- Clear Sky Detector) is used to measure this light effect. In this work we present night sky brightness measurements performed at the Atatürk University Astrophysics Research Telescope (ATA50) and the surrounding area, Erzurum, TURKEY. We also discussed the physical impacts of light pollution on science, humans and wildlife.

Title:              A New Algorithm for Detection of Cloudiness and Moon
Affect Area
Authors:            Dindar, Murat; Helhel, Selcuk; Ünal Akdemir, Kemal
Publication:        41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly, abstracts from the
meeting that was to be held 30 July - 7 August at
the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC), Turkey, but was
cancelled. See
http://cospar2016.tubitak.gov.tr/en/, Abstract
C0.2-47-16.
Publication Date:   07/2016
Bibliographic Code: 2016cosp...41E.470D


### Abstract

Cloud detection is a crucial issue for observatories already operating and during phase of the site selection. Sky Quality Meter (SQM) devices mostly use to determine parameters of the quality of sky such as cloudiness, light flux. But, those parameters do not give us exact information about the cloudiness and moon affects. In this study we improved a new cloudiness and moon affects area detection algorithm. The algorithm is based on image processing methods and different approaches applied to both day time and night time images to calculate the sky coverage. The new algorithm also implemented with Matlab by using the images taken by all sky camera located at TÜBİTAK National Observatory and results were given.

Title:              The new world atlas of artificial night sky
brightness
Authors:            Falchi, F.; Cinzano, P.; Duriscoe, D.;
Kyba, C. C. M.; Elvidge, C. D.; Baugh, K.;
Portnov, B. A.; Rybnikova, N. A.; Furgoni, R.
Publication:        Science Advances, vol. 2, issue 6, pp.
e1600377-e1600377
Publication Date:   06/2016
Origin:             CROSSREF
Bibliographic Code: 2016SciA....2E0377F


### Abstract

Artificial lights raise night sky luminance, creating the most visible effect of light pollution-artificial skyglow. Despite the increasing interest among scientists in fields such as ecology, astronomy, health care, and land-use planning, light pollution lacks a current quantification of its magnitude on a global scale. To overcome this, we present the world atlas of artificial sky luminance, computed with our light pollution propagation software using new high-resolution satellite data and new precision sky brightness measurements. This atlas shows that more than 80% of the world and more than 99% of the U.S. and European populations live under light-polluted skies. The Milky Way is hidden from more than one-third of humanity, including 60% of Europeans and nearly 80% of North Americans. Moreover, 23% of the world's land surfaces between 75{\deg}N and 60{\deg}S, 88% of Europe, and almost half of the United States experience light-polluted nights.

Title:              Selection of astrophysical/astronomical/solar sites
at the Argentina East Andes range taking into
account atmospheric components
Authors:            Piacentini, R. D.; García, B.;
Micheletti, M. I.; Salum, G.; Freire, M.;
Maya, J.; Mancilla, A.; Crinó, E.;
Mandat, D.; Pech, M.; Bulik, T.
Affiliation:        AA(LESyC, IMAE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas,
Ingeniería y Agrimensura, Univ. Nacional de Rosario,
Rosario, Argentina), AB(Instituto en Tecnologías de
Detección y Astropartículas (CONICET-CNEA-UNSAM),
Mendoza, Argentina), AC(Area Física de la Atmósfera,
Radiación Solar y Astropartículas, Instituto de
Física Rosario (CONICET-Univ. Nacional de Rosario),
Rosario, Argentina), AD(Area Física de la Atmósfera,
Radiación Solar y Astropartículas, Instituto de
Física Rosario (CONICET-Univ. Nacional de Rosario),
Rosario, Argentina), AE(Area Física de la Atmósfera,
Radiación Solar y Astropartículas, Instituto de
Física Rosario (CONICET-Univ. Nacional de Rosario),
Rosario, Argentina), AF(Instituto en Tecnologías de
Detección y Astropartículas (CONICET-CNEA-UNSAM),
Mendoza, Argentina), AG(Instituto en Tecnologías de
Detección y Astropartículas (CONICET-CNEA-UNSAM),
Fisico-Matemáticas, UNSan Luis, San Luis,
Argentina), AI(Institute of Physics of Academy of
Science of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic),
AJ(RCPTM, Joint Laboratory of Optics of Palacky
University and Institute of Physics of AS CR,
Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Czech
Republic), AK(Astronomical Observatory, University
of Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warsaw,
Poland)
Publication:        Advances in Space Research, Volume 57, Issue 12, p.
Publication Date:   06/2016
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Keywords:           Astrophysical, Astronomical, Solar: sites,
Argentina-Andes: atmospheric components
DOI:                10.1016/j.asr.2016.03.027


### Abstract

In the present work we analyze sites in the Argentinian high Andes mountains as possible places for astrophysical/astronomical/solar observatories. They are located at: San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) and El Leoncito/CASLEO region: sites 1 and 2. We consider the following atmospheric components that affect, in different and specific wavelength ranges, the detection of photons of astronomical/astrophysical/solar origin: ozone, microscopic particles, precipitable water and clouds. We also determined the atmospheric radiative transmittance in a day near the summer solstice at noon, in order to confirm the clearness of the sky in the proposed sites at SAC and El Leoncito. Consequently, all the collected and analyzed data in the present work, indicate that the proposed sites are very promising to host astrophysical/astronomical/solar observatories. Some atmospheric components, like aerosols, play a significant role in the attenuation of light (Cherencov and/or fluorescence) detected in cosmic rays (particles or gamma photons) astrophysical observatories, while others, like ozone have to be considered in astronomical/solar light detection.

Title:              Astroclimatic Characterization of Vallecitos: A
Candidate Site for the Cherenkov Telescope Array at
San Pedro Mártir
Authors:            Tovmassian, Gagik; Hernandez, Mercedes-Stephania;
Ochoa, Jose Luis; Ernenwein, Jean-Pierre;
Mandat, Dusan; Pech, Miroslav;
Murillo, Jose Manuel; Ceseña, Urania;
Garcia, Benjamin; Lee, William H.;
Bulik, Tomasz; Garczarczyk, Markus;
Fruck, Christian; Costantini, Heide;
Cieslar, Marek; Aune, Taylor;
Vincent, Stephane; Carr, John; Serre, Natalia;
Janecek, Petr; Haefner, Dennis
Affiliation:        AA(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México
document.write(mkemail("gag","","astrosen","unam","mx"));), AB(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AC(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AD(Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM UMR 7346, F-13288 Marseille, France), AE(RCPTM, Joint Laboratory of Optics of Palacky University and Institute of Physics CAS, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic), AF(RCPTM, Joint Laboratory of Optics of Palacky University and Institute of Physics CAS, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic), AG(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AH(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AI(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AJ(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AK(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, México), AL(Instituto de Astronomía, UNAM, Ensenada, !
México), AM(Warsaw University Astronomical Observatory, Warsaw, Poland), AN(Max Planck Institute of Physics, Munich, Germany), AO(Max Planck Institute of Physics, Munich, Germany), AP(Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM UMR 7346, F-13288 Marseille, France), AQ(Warsaw University Astronomical Observatory, Warsaw, Poland), AR(Department of Physics and Astronomy, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA), AS(Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY), Zeuthen, Germany), AT(Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM UMR 7346, F-13288 Marseille, France), AU(LSW/ZAH, U Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany), AV(Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic), AW(Mobile Rocket Base, German Aerospace Center (DLR), D-82234 Wessling, Germany)

Publication:        Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific,
Volume 128, Issue 961, pp. 035004 (2016). (PASP
Homepage)
Publication Date:   03/2016
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1538-3873/128/961/035004
Bibliographic Code: 2016PASP..128c5004T


### Abstract

We conducted an 18 month long study of the weather conditions of the Vallecitos, a proposed site in México to harbor the northern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). It is located in Sierra de San Pedro Mártir (SPM) a few kilometers away from Observatorio Astronómico Nacional. The study is based on data collected by the ATMOSCOPE, a multi-sensor instrument measuring the weather and sky conditions, which was commissioned and built by the CTA Consortium. Additionally, we compare the weather conditions of the optical observatory at SPM to the Vallecitos regarding temperature, humidity, and wind distributions. It appears that the excellent conditions at the optical observatory benefit from the presence of microclimate established in the Vallecitos.

Title:              Astronomical Observing Conditions at Xinglong
Observatory from 2007 to 2014
Authors:            Zhang, Ji-Cheng; Ge, Liang; Lu, Xiao-Meng;
Cao, Zi-Huang; Chen, Xu; Mao, Yong-Na;
Jiang, Xiao-Jun
Affiliation:        AA(), AB(), AC(), AD(), AE(), AF(), AG()
Publication:        Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific,
Volume 127, Issue 958, pp. 1292 (2015). (PASP
Homepage)
Publication Date:   12/2015
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1086/684369
Bibliographic Code: 2015PASP..127.1292Z


### Abstract

Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC), is one of the major optical observatories in China, which hosts nine optical telescopes including the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) and the 2.16 m reflector. Scientific research from these telescopes is focused on stars, galaxies, and exoplanets using multicolor photometry and spectroscopic observations. Therefore, it is important to provide the observing conditions of the site, in detail, to the astronomers for an efficient use of these facilities. In this article, we present the characterization of observing conditions at Xinglong Observatory based on the monitoring of meteorology, seeing and sky brightness during the period from 2007 to 2014. Results suggest that Xinglong Observatory is still a good site for astronomical observations. Our analysis of the observing conditions at Xinglong Observatory can be used as a reference to the observers on targets selection, observing strategy, and telescope operation.

Title:              Retrieval of Garstang's emission function from
all-sky camera images
Authors:            Kocifaj, Miroslav;
Solano Lamphar, Héctor Antonio; Kundracik, František
9, 845 03 Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Faculty of
Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics, Comenius
University, Mlynská dolina, 842 48 Bratislava,
Slovak Republic
document.write(mkemail("kocifaj","","savba","sk"));), AB(ICA, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Road 9, 845 03 Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Cátedras CONACYT, Instituto de Investigaciones Dr. José María Luis Mora, Programa Interdisciplinario de Estudios Metropolitanos (CentroMet), Plaza Valentín Gómez Farías #12, San Juan Mixcoac, 03730 México, D.F., Mexico), AC(Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovak Republic)

Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 453, Issue 1, p.819-827 (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   10/2015
Origin:             OUP
Astronomy Keywords: scattering, atmospheric effects, light pollution,
methods: data analysis, methods: numerical, methods:
observational
Press on behalf of The Royal Astronomical Society.
DOI:                10.1093/mnras/stv1645
Bibliographic Code: 2015MNRAS.453..819K


### Abstract

The emission function from ground-based light sources predetermines the skyglow features to a large extent, while most mathematical models that are used to predict the night sky brightness require the information on this function. The radiant intensity distribution on a clear sky is experimentally determined as a function of zenith angle using the theoretical approach published only recently in MNRAS, 439, 3405-3413. We have made the experiments in two localities in Slovakia and Mexico by means of two digital single lens reflex professional cameras operating with different lenses that limit the system's field-of-view to either 180º or 167º. The purpose of using two cameras was to identify variances between two different apertures. Images are taken at different distances from an artificial light source (a city) with intention to determine the ratio of zenith radiance relative to horizontal irradiance. Subsequently, the information on the fraction of the light radiated directly into the upward hemisphere (F) is extracted. The results show that inexpensive devices can properly identify the upward emissions with adequate reliability as long as the clear sky radiance distribution is dominated by a largest ground-based light source. Highly unstable turbidity conditions can also make the parameter F difficult to find or even impossible to retrieve. The measurements at low elevation angles should be avoided due to a potentially parasitic effect of direct light emissions from luminaires surrounding the measuring site.

Title:              Globe at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network
Authors:            Cheung, Sze Leung; Pun, Jason Chun Shing;
SO, Chu-wing; Shibata, Yukiko;
Walker, Constance Elaine; Agata, Hidehiko
Affiliation:        AA(IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach), AB(The
University of Hong Kong), AC(The University of Hong
Japan), AE(National Optical Astronomy Observatory),
AF(National Astronomical Observatory of Japan)
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2257516
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2257516C


### Abstract

The Global at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (GaN-MN) is an international project for long-term monitoring of night sky conditions around the world. The GaN-MN consists of fixed monitoring stations each equipped with a Sky Quality Meter - Lensed Ethernet (SQM-LE), which is a specialized light sensor for night sky brightness (NSB) measurement. NSB data are continuously collected at high sampling frequency throughout the night, and these data will be instantly made available to the general public to provide a real-time snapshot of the global light pollution condition. A single data collection methodology, including data sampling frequency, data selection criteria, device design and calibration, and schemes for data quality control, was adopted to ensure uniformity in the data collected. This is essential for a systematic and global study of the level of light pollution. The data collected will also provide the scientific backbone in our efforts to contribute to dark sky conservation through education to the general public and policy makers. The GaN-MN project is endorsed by the IAU IYL Executive Committee Working Group as a major Cosmic Light program in the International Year of Light.

Title:              Light Pollution Surveys around the Seoul Capital
Area: Results from 2009 and 2014
Authors:            Yu, Jinhee; An, Sung-Ho; Bae, Hyun-Jin;
Roh, Eunji; Chiang, Howoo; Kim, Jinhyub;
Kim, Seongjoong; Park, Songyoun
Affiliation:        AA(Yonsei University), AB(Yonsei University),
AE(Yonsei University), AF(Yonsei University),
AG(Yonsei University), AH(Seoul National University)
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2255081
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2255081Y


### Abstract

We conducted a series of light pollution surveys in the periods of 2009/2010 and 2014/2015 at ~130 sites within the Seoul Capital Area of South Korea. We quantitatively measured the night sky brightness in the unit of mag/arcsec2 with the ‘SQM (Sky Quality Meter)-L’ by considering the following conditions: 1) fully dark sky after astronomical twilight, 2) good weather with the cloud amount less than 10%, and 3) ensure no contaminations from nearby street lights to the measured value. We find that the night sky is getting darker from the center of Seoul to the outskirts of Gyeonggi-do by a factor of ~40. In both surveys, for example, the brightest site is Namsan Elementary School (Jung-gu, Seoul: 16.3 and 16.5 mag/arcsec2 in 2009/2010 and 2014/2015, respectively), located nearly at the middle of Seoul. Also, the darkest site is Goseong-ri (Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do: 20.1 and 20.6 mag/arcsec2 in 2009/2010 and 2014/2015, respectively), situated ~50 km northeast of the brightest site. In addition, the night sky brightness in 2014/2015 is on average darker by ~0.4 mag/arcsec2 compared to the brightness in 2009/2010, which indicates the reduced light pollution in the Seoul Capital Area. In this contribution, we will present the maps of the night sky brightness in the capital region of Korea from both surveys, and discuss the possible reasons for the changes in night sky brightness within 5 years.

Title:              Night sky photometry with amateur-grade digital
cameras
Authors:            Mrozek, Tomasz; Gronkiewicz, Dominik;
Kolomanski, Sylwester; Steslicki, Marek
Affiliation:        AA(Space Research Centre PAS), AB(University of
Research Centre PAS)
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2254846
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2254846M


### Abstract

Measurements of night sky brightness can give us valuable information on light pollution. The more the measurements we have the better is our knowledge on the spatial distribution of the pollution on local and global scale.High accuracy professional photometry of night sky can be performed with dedicated instruments. The main drawbacks of this method are high price and low mobility. This limits an amount of observers and therefore amount of photometric data that can be collected. In order to overcome the problem of limited amount of data we can involve amateur astronomers in photometry of night sky. However, to achieve this goal we need a method that utilizes equipment which is usually used by amateur astronomers, e.g digital cameras.We propose a method that enables good accuracy photometry of night sky with a use of digital compact or DSLR cameras. In the method reduction of observations and standarization to Johnson UBV system are performed. We tested several cameras and compared results to Sky Quality Meter (SQM) measurements. The overall consistency for results is within 0.2 mag.

Title:              Low-cost photometers and open source software for
Light Pollution research
Authors:            Zamorano, Jaime; Nievas, Miguel;
Sánchez de Miguel, Alejandro; Tapia, Carlos;
García, Cristóbal; Pascual, Sergio;
Ocaña, Francisco; Gallego, Jesús
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2254626
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2254626Z


### Abstract

Astronomical observatories have been measuring the brightness of the sky (NSB) using the methods of astronomical photometry with telescopes, photoelectric photometers and CCD cameras. The observations are disperse and sporadic. This is why some dedicated devices (including all-sky cameras) have been designed to automatically monitor the sky brightness at the observatories.These sophisticated and expensive instruments are restricted to research groups since they are out of reach for the interested citizens who wish to make a contribution to light pollution research. Most of them are using sky photometers (sky quality meter, SQM) a commercial photometer, designed to measure NSB in a photometric band that mimics the human eye response, that provide reliable data at an affordable budget.We are designing and building low cost devices to measure night sky brightness that could be widely distributed. The final designs will be calibrated and distributed to the community as open hardware. The researchers and also the interested people could acquire the parts and replicate the photometers from the instructions provided. Among the new features for these photometers we plan to add the capability to automatically send data to a repository located in a server, the autonomous operation with solar panels and batteries in remote places and the ability to measure in different spectral bands.We also present open source software for NSB research. PySQM, designed for SQM photometers, records the NSB data in the IDA-IAU standard data format and also builds the plots along the night. PyASB analyses all-sky images to determine photometric parameters and to build all-sky NSB maps

Title:              Early Performance and Results from the Globe at
Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network
Authors:            Shibata, Yukiko; Cheung, Sze Leung;
Pun, Jason Chun Shing; SO, Chu-wing;
Walker, Constance Elaine; Agata, Hidehiko
Affiliation:        AA(National Astronomical Observatory of Japan),
AB(IAU), AC(The University of Hong Kong), AD(The
University of Hong Kong), AE(National Optical
Astronomy Observatory), AF(National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan)
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2249097
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2249097S


### Abstract

The Global at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (GaN-MN) is an international project for long-term monitoring of night sky conditions around the world. The GaN-MN consists of fixed monitoring stations each equipped with a Sky Quality Meter - Lensed Ethernet (SQM-LE), which is a specialized light sensor for night sky brightness (NSB) measurement. NSB data are continuously collected at high sampling frequency throughout the night, and these data will be instantly made available to the general public to provide a real-time snapshot of the global light pollution condition. The huge NSB database accumulated also provides the basis for studies of the temporal and geographical variations of light pollution and its correlation with various natural and artificial factors. In order to ensure the quality of data collected between the monitoring sites, detailed guidelines of setting and location selection are defined, and a user workshop was held in Tokyo, Japan to introduce and discuss the installation procedures and data analysis for participants. In this presentation, the user workshop and early performance of the GaN-MN will be reported. The GaN-MN project is endorsed by the IAU Executive Committee Working Group as a major Cosmic Light program in the International Year of Light.

Title:              The new World Atlas of Artificial Sky Brightness
Authors:            Falchi, Fabio; Cinzano, Pierantonio;
Kyba, Christopher C. M.; Portnov, Boris A.
Affiliation:        AA(ISTIL - Light Pollution Science and Technology
Institute), AB(ISTIL - Light Pollution Science and
Technology Institute), AC(Leibniz-Institute of
Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries),
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2247038
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2247038F


### Abstract

I present the main steps toward the completion of the new World Atlas of Artificial Sky Brightness (WA II) and some results. The computational technique has been updated, in comparison to the first World Atlas, to take into account both sources and sites elevation. The elevation data are from USGS GTOPO30 global digital elevation model, with the same pixel size as the WA II maps. The upward emission function used to compute the Atlas is a three parameters function. The parameters can be constrained to the database of Earth based night sky brightness measurements. In this way we can use the better fitting upward function for the final map’s calibration. We maintained constant atmosphere parameters over the entire Earth, identical to those used for the first Atlas (Garstang atmospheric clarity coefficient k=1, equivalent to a vertical extinction at sea level of 0.33 magnitude in the V band). This was done in order to avoid introducing a local bias due to different conditions that may confound the light pollution propagation effects. The radiance data used are those from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day-Night Band (DNB) on board the Suomi NPP satellite. The use of this newly available radiance data allows for an increased real resolution, even while maintaining the same 30"x30" lat-lon pixel size. Anyway, a higher resolution is really appreciable only in the immediate proximity of sources of light pollution (e.g. inside a big city). The VIIRS DNB data used for the input data were chosen from the months ranging from May to September in order to avoid introducing bias from the variable snow coverage in mid to high northern latitudes. In the southern hemisphere this problem is far less pronounced. The WA II takes advantage of the now enormous database of Earth based sky brightness measurements obtained mainly with Sky Quality Meters, but also with CCD measurements.

Title:              Communicating awareness of light pollution with the
schools in Nepal
Authors:            Acharya, Jayanta
Affiliation:        AA(Balmikee Campus)
Publication:        IAU General Assembly, Meeting #29, id.2224225
Publication Date:   08/2015
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2015: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2015IAUGA..2224225A


### Abstract

Nepal is also highly polluted by the lights and other dusts partials, but lacks the formal education of light pollutions and effect of light for astronomy observations. When we get Sky Quality Meter (SQM) last year (2014) we have installed it in Kathmandu.This paper will highlight about installation SQM in Nepal, measurement of brightness of the night sky in magnitudes per square arc second. Research work of light pollution of Kathmandu will be more in focus. Highlight of the Astronomy programs by different Schools in Nepal along with the background of coverage of Astronomy education in the syllables of different education level. The various procedure , technique and idea used in providing the space education through different activities and program to school studentsThe paper will also deal with the Importance of light and use of artificial light. Beside it will also highlight the possibility of development of various observatories in Nepal because of its tremendous topography increasing the Astro tourism in Nepal.Hence the paper would focus on the light pollution of the city like Kathmandu and light system in Nepal and Astronomy education to its implementation along with its outreach to Nepalese society.

Title:              Estimating all-sky night brightness maps from finite
sets of SQM measurements
Authors:            Tilve Rúa, V.; Ling, J. F.; Bará, S.;
Sánchez de Miguel, A.; Nievas, M.; Zamorano, J.
Affiliation:        AA(Obs. Astr. R. M. Aller'', Dept. de. Matemática
15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain; Centro
de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Arag& acute;on
(CEFCA), Plaza San Juan 1-2, E44001 Teruel, Spain),
AB(Obs. Astr. R. M. Aller'', Dept. de. Matemática
15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain),
AC(Área de Óptica, Departamento de Física Aplicada,
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782
Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain), AD(Dept. de
Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera, Fac. de Ciencias
AE(Dept. de Física Atómica, Molecular y Nuclear,
Fac. de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Complutense,
Madrid, Spain), AF(Dept. de Astrofísica y CC. de la
Atmósfera, Fac. de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad
Publication:        Highlights of Spanish Astrophysics VIII, Proceedings
of the XI Scientific Meeting of the Spanish
Astronomical Society held on September 8-12, 2014,
in Teruel, Spain, ISBN 978-84-606-8760-3. A. J.
Cenarro, F. Figueras, C. Hernández-Monteagudo, J.
Trujillo Bueno, and L. Valdivielso (eds.), p.
874-874
Publication Date:   05/2015
Origin:             AUTHOR
Bibliographic Code: 2015hsa8.conf..874T


### Abstract

The all-sky night brightness distributions recorded at observing sites with moderate to high levels of light pollution can be efficiently described by polynomial series or relatively low order. This opens the way for estimating these continuous distributions from discrete sets of measurements made in different directions of the sky with photometric detectors of low spatial resolution as, e.g. the Sky Quality Meter, SQM^{TM} (10° HWHM). Modal estimations of the night sky brightness can be obtained by expanding their equal-area projection maps as a series of orthonormal functions, in particular Zernike polynomials, and fitting the unknown modal coefficients to the measurements provided by the detector. Least squares and minimum variance estimators can be easily developed once the linear functional relationship between the measurements and the actual sky brightness distribution is established.

Title:              Instrumentation for comparing night sky quality and
atmospheric conditions of CTA site candidates
Authors:            Fruck, C.; Gaug, M.; Ernenwein, J.-P.;
Mandát, D.; Schweizer, T.; Häfner, D.;
Bulik, T.; Cieslar, M.; Costantini, H.;
Dominik, M.; Ebr, J.; Garczarczyk, M.;
Lorentz, E.; Pareschi, G.; Pech, M.;
Puerto-Giménez, I.; Teshima, M.
Affiliation:        AA(Max-Planck-Institut für Physik, Föhringer Ring 6,
80805 München, Germany
document.write(mkemail("fruck","","mpp","mpg","de"));), AB(Física de les Radiacions, Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain ; CERES, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-IEEC, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain), AC(Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM UMR 7346, 13288 Marseille, France), AD(Institute of Physics of the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Joint Laboratory of Optics, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic), AE(Max-Planck-Institut für Physik, Föhringer Ring 6, 80805 München, Germany), AF(Max-Planck-Institut für Physik, Föhringer Ring 6, 80805 München, Germany), AG(Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warsaw, Poland), AH(Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warsaw, Poland), AI(Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2!
P3, CPPM UMR 7346, 13288 Marseille, France), AJ(Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warsaw, Poland), AK(Institute of Physics of Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Na Slovance 2, Praha, Czech Republic), AL(Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Platanenallee 6, Zeuthen, Germany), AM(Max-Planck-Institut für Physik, Föhringer Ring 6, 80805 München, Germany; Física de les Radiacions, Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain ; CERES, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-IEEC, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain ; Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, CPPM UMR 7346, 13288 Marseille, France; Institute of Physics of the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Joint Laboratory of Optics, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic; Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4, 00-478 Warsaw, Poland; Institute of Physics of Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Na!
Slovance 2, Praha, Czech Republic; Deutsches Elektronen-Synch!
rotron, Platanenallee 6, Zeuthen, Germany; INAF—Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Milano, Italy ; Institut de Fisica d'Altes Energies (IFAE), E-08193, Barcelona, Spain), AN(INAF—Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Milano, Italy), AO(Institute of Physics of the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Joint Laboratory of Optics, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic), AP(Institut de Fisica d'Altes Energies (IFAE), E-08193, Barcelona, Spain), AQ(Max-Planck-Institut für Physik, Föhringer Ring 6, 80805 München, Germany)

Publication:        Journal of Instrumentation, Volume 10, Issue 04,
article id. P04012 (2015).
Publication Date:   04/2015
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1748-0221/10/04/P04012
Bibliographic Code: 2015JInst..10P4012F


### Abstract

Many atmospheric and climatic criteria have to be taken into account for the selection of a suitable site for the next generation of imaging air-shower Cherenkov telescopes, the Cherenkov Telescope Array'' CTA. Such data are not available with sufficient precision, thus a comparison of the proposed sites and final decision based on a comprehensive characterization is impossible. Identical cross-calibrated instruments have been developed which allow for precise comparison between sites, the cross-validation of existing data, and the ground-validation of satellite data. The site characterization work package of the CTA consortium opted to construct and deploy 9 copies of an autonomous multi-purpose weather sensor, incorporating an infrared cloud sensor, a newly developed sensor for measuring the light of the night sky, and an All-Sky-Camera, the whole referred to as Autonomous Tool for Measuring Observatory Site COnditions PrEcisely (ATMOSCOPE). We present here the hardware that was combined into the ATMOSCOPE and characterize its performance.

Title:              NIXNOX project: Sites in Spain where citizens can
enjoy dark starry skies
Authors:            Zamorano, J.; de Miguel, A. Sánchez;
Alfaro, E.; Martínez-Delgado, D.; Ocaña, F.;
Castaño, J. Gómez; Nievas, M.
Affiliation:        AA(Depto. Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera,
AB(Depto. Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmósfera,
AC(Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC),
Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany

Publication:        Highlights of Astronomy, Volume 16, pp. 739-739
Publication Date:   03/2015
Origin:             CUP
Keywords:           Light Pollution, Night Sky Brightness, Photometry,
Union 2015
DOI:                10.1017/S1743921314013222
Bibliographic Code: 2015HiA....16..739Z


### Abstract

The NIXNOX project, sponsored by the Spanish Astronomical Society, is a Pro-Am collaboration with the aim of finding sites with dark skies. All sky data of the night sky brightness is being obtained by amateur astronomers with Sky Quality Meter (SQM) photometers. We are not looking for remote locations because the places should be easily accessible by people with children. Our goal is to motivate citizens to observe the night sky. NIXNOX will provide information to answer the question: where can I go to observe the stars with my family?

Title:              On the relation between zenith sky brightness and
horizontal illuminance
Authors:            Kocifaj, M.; Posch, Th.; Solano Lamphar, H. A.
Affiliation:        AA(Department of Experimental Physics, Faculty of
Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius
University, Mlynská dolina, 842 48 Bratislava,
Slovak Republic; ICA, Slovak Academy of Sciences,
Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 03 Bratislava, Slovak
Republic
document.write(mkemail("kocifaj","","savba","sk"));), AB(Universität Wien, Institut für Astrophysik, Türkenschanzstrasse 17, A-1180 Wien, Austria), AC(Instituto de Investigaciones Lumínicas, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico; Cátedras CONACYT, Instituto de investigaciones Dr José María Luis Mora, Programa Interdisciplinario de Estudios Metropolitanos, Plaza Valentín Gómez Farías #12 Col. San Juan Mixcoac México D.F. C.P 03730)

Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 446, Issue 3, p.2895-2901 (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   01/2015
Origin:             OUP
Astronomy Keywords: scattering, atmospheric effects, light pollution,
methods: numerical
Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society
DOI:                10.1093/mnras/stu2265
Bibliographic Code: 2015MNRAS.446.2895K


### Abstract

The effects of artificial light at night are an emergent research topic for astronomers, physicists, engineers and biologists around the world. This leads to a need for measurements of the night sky brightness (= diffuse luminance of the night sky) and nocturnal illuminance. Currently, the most sensitive light meters measure the zenith sky brightness in magV/arcsec2 or - less frequently - in cd m-2. However, the horizontal illuminance resulting only from the night sky is an important source of information that is difficult to obtain with common instruments. Here we present a set of approximations to convert the zenith luminance into horizontal illuminance. Three different approximations are presented for three idealized atmospheric conditions: homogeneous sky brightness, an isotropically scattering atmosphere and a turbid atmosphere. We also apply the resulting conversion formulae to experimental data on night sky luminance, obtained during the past three years.

Title:              Evaluation of the Sky Brightness at Two Argentinian
Astronomical Sites
Authors:            Aubé, M.; Fortin, N.; Turcotte, S.;
García, B.; Mancilla, A.; Maya, J.
Affiliation:        AA(), AB(), AC(), AD(), AE(), AF()
Publication:        Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific,
Volume 126, Issue 945, pp. 1068 (2014). (PASP
Homepage)
Publication Date:   11/2014
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1086/679227
Bibliographic Code: 2014PASP..126.1068A


### Abstract

Not Available

Title:              Particulate matter as an amplifier for astronomical
light pollution
Authors:            Ściężor, T.; Kubala, M.
Affiliation:        AA(Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of the
Environmental Engineering, Warszawska 24, P-31-155
Kraków, Poland
document.write(mkemail("sciezor","","vistula","pk","edu","pl"));), AB(Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of the Environmental Engineering, Warszawska 24, P-31-155 Kraków, Poland)

Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 444, Issue 3, p.2487-2493 (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   11/2014
Origin:             OUP
Astronomy Keywords: atmospheric effects, light pollution, methods: data
analysis, site testing
Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society
DOI:                10.1093/mnras/stu1577
Bibliographic Code: 2014MNRAS.444.2487S


### Abstract

In this paper, we state that the main factor that influences seasonal changes in the brightness of the cloudless, moonless, light-polluted night sky is primarily particulate matter, emitted mainly from low-emission sources, especially in winter. This effect is particularly noticeable in Cracow and its surroundings, one of the places in Europe that is most polluted by particulate matter. Measurements taken over a period of one year have allowed us to show a linear relationship between the concentration of particulate matter and the brightness of the clear, cloudless night sky. We have also found similar correlations in other, industrialized areas of Poland, as well as at the Mount Suhora Astronomical Observatory. We believe that the factor described here should be taken into account when planning the construction of new astronomical observatories, especially those located near large urban areas.

Title:              LCOGT network observatory operations
Authors:            Pickles, Andrew; Hjelstrom, Annie;
Boroson, Todd; Burleson, Ben; Conway, Patrick;
De Vera, Jon; Elphick, Mark; Haworth, Brian;
Rosing, Wayne; Saunders, Eric; Thomas, Doug;
White, Gary; Willis, Mark; Walker, Zach
Affiliation:        AA(Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (United
States)), AB(Las Cumbres Observatory Global
Telescope (United States)), AC(Las Cumbres
Observatory Global Telescope (United States)),
AD(Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (United
States)), AE(Las Cumbres Observatory Global
Telescope (United States)), AF(Las Cumbres
Observatory Global Telescope (United States)),
AG(Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (United
States)), AH(Las Cumbres Observatory Global
Telescope (United States)), AI(Las Cumbres
Observatory Global Telescope (United States)),
AJ(Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (United
States)), AK(Las Cumbres Observatory Global
Telescope (United States)), AL(Las Cumbres
Observatory Global Telescope (United States)),
AM(Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (United
States)), AN(Las Cumbres Observatory Global
Telescope (United States))
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9149, id. 914912
13 pp. (2014). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   08/2014
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9780819496171
DOI:                10.1117/12.2055215
Bibliographic Code: 2014SPIE.9149E..12P


### Abstract

We describe the operational capabilities of the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network. We summarize our hardware and software for maintaining and monitoring network health. We focus on methodologies to utilize the automated system to monitor availability of sites, instruments and telescopes, to monitor performance, permit automatic recovery, and provide automatic error reporting. The same jTCS control system is used on telescopes of apertures 0.4m, 0.8m, 1m and 2m, and for multiple instruments on each. We describe our network operational model, including workloads, and illustrate our current tools, and operational performance indicators, including telemetry and metrics reporting from on-site reductions. The system was conceived and designed to establish effective, reliable autonomous operations, with automatic monitoring and recovery - minimizing human intervention while maintaining quality. We illustrate how far we have been able to achieve that.

Title:              Human contrast threshold and astronomical visibility
Authors:            Crumey, Andrew
Affiliation:        AA(Department of Humanities, Northumbria University,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
document.write(mkemail("andrew","crumey","","northumbria","ac","uk"));)

Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 442, Issue 3, p.2600-2619 (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   08/2014
Origin:             OUP
Astronomy Keywords: history and philosophy of astronomy, sociology of
astronomy, light pollution, telescopes
on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society
DOI:                10.1093/mnras/stu992
Bibliographic Code: 2014MNRAS.442.2600C


### Abstract

The standard visibility model in light-pollution studies is the formula of Hecht, as used e.g. by Schaefer. However, it is applicable only to point sources and is shown to be of limited accuracy. A new visibility model is presented for uniform achromatic targets of any size against background luminances ranging from zero to full daylight, produced by a systematic procedure applicable to any appropriate data set (e.g. Blackwell's), and based on a simple but previously unrecognized empirical relation between contrast threshold and adaptation luminance. The scotopic luminance correction for variable spectral radiance (colour index) is calculated. For point sources, the model is more accurate than Hecht's formula and is verified using telescopic data collected at Mount Wilson in 1947, enabling the sky brightness at that time to be determined. The result is darker than the calculation by Garstang, implying that light pollution grew more rapidly in subsequent decades than has been supposed. The model is applied to the nebular observations of William Herschel, enabling his visual performance to be quantified. Proposals are made regarding sky quality indicators for public use.

Title:              SST-GATE telescope: an innovative dual-mirror
prototype for the Cherenkov Telescope Array
Authors:            Dumas, Delphine; Huet, Jean-Michel;
Dournaux, Jean-Laurent; Laporte, Philippe;
Amans, Jean-Philippe; Fasola, Gilles;
Zech, Andreas; Rulten, Cameron; Sol, Hélène;
Blake, Simon; Schmoll, Jurgen
Affiliation:        AA(Observatoire de Paris à Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris
Diderot (France)), AB(Observatoire de Paris à
Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris Diderot (France)),
AC(Observatoire de Paris à Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris
Diderot (France)), AD(Observatoire de Paris à
Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris Diderot (France)),
AE(Observatoire de Paris à Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris
Diderot (France)), AF(Observatoire de Paris à
Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris Diderot (France)),
AG(Observatoire de Paris à Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris
Diderot (France)), AH(Observatoire de Paris à
Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris Diderot (France)),
AI(Observatoire de Paris à Meudon, CNRS, Univ. Paris
Diderot (France)), AJ(Durham Univ. (United
Kingdom)), AK(Durham Univ. (United Kingdom))
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9145, id. 91452Y
15 pp. (2014). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   07/2014
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9780819496133
DOI:                10.1117/12.2055083
Bibliographic Code: 2014SPIE.9145E..2YD


### Abstract

The Observatoire de Paris is involved in the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) project by designing and constructing on the site of Meudon a Small Size Telescope prototype, named SST-GATE, in collaboration with the CHEC team (Compact High Energy Camera) which is providing the camera. The telescope structure is based on the Schwarzschild- Couder optical design which has never been adopted before in the design of a ground-based telescope. This concept allows a larger field of view and cheaper and smaller telescope and camera design with improved performance compared to the Davies-Cotton design traditionally used in very high energy gamma-ray telescopes. The SST-GATE telescope has been designed with the prime objectives of being light, versatile and simple to assemble with a minimal maintenance cost. This papers aims at reviewing the SST-GATE telescope structure from mechanics to optics along with the control command architecture; several innovative developments implemented within the design are discussed. Updates of the project status and perspectives are made.

Title:              Status of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Project
Authors:            Schlenstedt, Stefan
Affiliation:        AA(Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (Germany))
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9145, id. 91450K
12 pp. (2014). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   07/2014
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9780819496133
DOI:                10.1117/12.2055400
Bibliographic Code: 2014SPIE.9145E..0KS


### Abstract

CTA, the Cherenkov Telescope Array, is the next generation ground-based observatory for gamma-ray astronomy in the energy range from 20 GeV to 300 TeV. The CTA project is finishing its preparatory phase, and the pre-production phase will start in 2014. The expected performance of CTA has been assessed using very detailed simulations. The science cases for CTA were established and the key physics programs are defined. A report on the design and prototypes of the different telescopes will be given. Plans for array control, data acquisition and data management are well advanced and will be presented here. Several site candidates for CTA on the Southern and Northern have been evaluated, and a site decision will be taken in 2014.

Title:              Contributions of artificial lighting sources on
light pollution in Hong Kong measured through a
night sky brightness monitoring network
Authors:            Pun, Chun Shing Jason; So, Chu Wing;
Leung, Wai Yan; Wong, Chung Fai
Affiliation:        AA(Department of Physics, The University of Hong
Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong), AB(Department of
Physics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong
Kong), AC(Department of Physics, The University of
Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong), AD(Department of
Physics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong
Kong 0000-0003-0832-2023)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 139, p. 90-108. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   05/2014
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.12.014
Bibliographic Code: 2014JQSRT.139...90P


### Abstract

Light pollution is a form of environmental degradation in which excessive artificial outdoor lighting, such as street lamps, neon signs, and illuminated signboards, affects the natural environment and the ecosystem. Poorly designed outdoor lighting not only wastes energy, money, and valuable Earth resources, but also robs us of our beautiful night sky. Effects of light pollution on the night sky can be evaluated by the skyglow caused by these artificial lighting sources, through measurements of the night sky brightness (NSB). The Hong Kong Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (NSN) was established to monitor in detail the conditions of light pollution in Hong Kong. Monitoring stations were set up throughout the city covering a wide range of urban and rural settings to continuously measure the variations of the NSB. Over 4.6 million night sky measurements were collected from 18 distinct locations between May 2010 and March 2013. This huge dataset, over two thousand times larger than our previous survey [1], forms the backbone for studies of the temporal and geographical variations of this environmental parameter and its correlation with various natural and artificial factors. The concepts and methodology of the NSN were presented here, together with an analysis of the overall night sky conditions in Hong Kong. The average NSB in Hong Kong, excluding data affected by the Moon, was 16.8 mag arcsec-2, or 82 times brighter than the dark site standard established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) [2]. The urban night sky was on average 15 times brighter than that in a rural location, firmly establishing the effects of artificial lighting sources on the night sky.

Title:              New device for monitoring the colors of the night
Authors:            Spoelstra, Henk
Affiliation:        AA(Lumineux Consult, Landgraafstraat 96, 6845 ED
Arnhem, The Netherlands 0000-0001-7647-8949)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 139, p. 82-89. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   05/2014
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2014.01.001
Bibliographic Code: 2014JQSRT.139...82S


### Abstract

The introduction of LED lighting in the outdoor environment may increase the amount of blue light in the night sky color spectrum. This can cause more light pollution due to Rayleigh scattering of the shorter wavelengths. Blue light may also have an impact on circadian rhythm of humans due to the suppression of melatonin. At present no long-term data sets of the color spectrum of the night sky are available. In order to facilitate the monitoring of levels and variations in the night sky spectrum, a low cost multi-filter instrument has been developed. Design considerations are described as well as the choice of suitable filters, which are critical - especially in the green wavelength band from 500 to 600 nm. Filters from the optical industry were chosen for this band because available astronomical filters exclude some or all of the low and high-pressure sodium lines from lamps, which are important in light pollution research. Correction factors are calculated to correct for the detector response and filter transmissions. Results at a suburban monitoring station showed that the light levels between 500 and 600 nm are dominant during clear and cloudy skies. The relative contribution of blue light increases with a clear moonless night sky. The change in color spectrum of the night sky under moonlit skies is more complex and is still under study.

Title:              The night sky brightness at Potsdam-Babelsberg
including overcast and moonlit conditions
Authors:            Puschnig, Johannes; Schwope, Axel;
Posch, Thomas; Schwarz, Robert
Affiliation:        AA(University of Stockholm, Universitetsvägen 10,
SE-11418 Stockholm, Sweden), AB(Leibniz Institut für
Astrophysik, An der Sternwarte 16, D-14482 Potsdam,
Germany), AC(Universität Wien, Institut für
Astrophysik, Türkenschanzstraße 17, A-1180 Wien,
Austria), AD(Leibniz Institut für Astrophysik, An
der Sternwarte 16, D-14482 Potsdam, Germany)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 139, p. 76-81. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   05/2014
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.12.011
Bibliographic Code: 2014JQSRT.139...76P


### Abstract

We analyze the results of 2 years (2011-2012) of night sky photometry performed at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam-Babelsberg. This institute is located 23 km to the southwest of the center of Berlin. Our measurements have been performed with a Sky Quality Meter. We find night sky brightness values ranging from 16.5 to 20.3 magSQM arcsec-2; the latter value corresponds to 4.8 times the natural zenithal night sky brightness. We focus on the influence of clouds and of the moon on the night sky brightness. It turns out that Potsdam-Babelsberg, despite its proximity to Berlin, still shows a significant correlation of the night sky brightness with the lunar phases. However, the light-pollution-enhancing effect of clouds dominates the night sky brightness by far: overcast nights (up to 16.5 magSQM arcsec-2) are much brighter than clear full moon nights (18-18.5 magSQM arcsec-2).

Title:              Night sky photometry and spectroscopy performed at
the Vienna University Observatory
Authors:            Puschnig, Johannes; Posch, Thomas;
Uttenthaler, Stefan
Affiliation:        AA(Universität Wien, Institut für Astrophysik,
Türkenschanzstraße 17, A-1180 Wien, Austria),
AB(Universität Wien, Institut für Astrophysik,
Türkenschanzstraße 17, A-1180 Wien, Austria),
AC(Universität Wien, Institut für Astrophysik,
Türkenschanzstraße 17, A-1180 Wien, Austria)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 139, p. 64-75. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   05/2014
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2013.08.019
Bibliographic Code: 2014JQSRT.139...64P


### Abstract

We present night sky brightness measurements performed at the Vienna University Observatory and at the Leopold-Figl-Observatorium für Astrophysik, which is located about 35 km to the southwest of Vienna. The measurements have been performed with Sky Quality Meters made by Unihedron. They cover a time span of roughly one year and have been carried out every night, yielding a luminance value every 7 s and thus delivering a large amount of data. In this paper, the level of skyglow in Vienna, which ranges from 15 to 19.25 magSQM arcsec-2 is presented for the very first time in a systematic way. We discuss the influence of different environmental conditions on the night sky brightness and implications for human vision. We show that the circalunar rhythm of night sky brightness is almost extinguished at our observatory due to light pollution.

Additionally, we present spectra of the night sky in Vienna, taken with a 0.8 m telescope. The goal of these spectroscopic measurements was to identify the main types of light sources and the spectral lines which cause the skyglow in Vienna. It turned out that fluorescent lamps are responsible for the strongest lines of the night sky above Vienna (e.g. lines at 546 nm and at 611 nm).

Title:              On the feasibility of inversion methods based on
models of urban sky glow
Authors:            Kolláth, Z.; Kránicz, B.
Affiliation:        AA(University of West Hungary, Savaria Campus,
Szombathely, Hungary), AB(University of Pannonia,
Veszprém, Hungary)
Publication:        Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative
Transfer, Volume 139, p. 27-34. (JQSRT Homepage)
Publication Date:   05/2014
Origin:             ELSEVIER
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd
DOI:                10.1016/j.jqsrt.2014.01.008
Bibliographic Code: 2014JQSRT.139...27K


### Abstract

Multi-wavelength imaging luminance photometry of sky glow provides a huge amount of information on light pollution. However, the understanding of the measured data involves the combination of different processes and data of radiation transfer, atmospheric physics and atmospheric constitution. State-of-the-art numerical radiation transfer models provide the possibility to define an inverse problem to obtain information on the emission intensity distribution of a city and perhaps the physical properties of the atmosphere. We provide numerical tests on the solvability and feasibility of such procedures.

Title:              Analysis of Seven Years of Globe at Night Data
Authors:            Birriel, J. J.; Walker, C. E.; Thornsberry, C. R.
Affiliation:        AA(Morehead State University), AB(National Optical
University); AB(National Optical Astronomical
Observatory)
Publication:        The Journal of the American Association of Variable
Star Observers, vol. 42, no. 1, p. 219
Publication Date:   05/2014
Origin:             AAVSO
Abstract Copyright: (c)2014: The American Association of Variable Star
Observers
Bibliographic Code: 2014JAVSO..42..219B


### Abstract

The Globe at Night (GaN) project website contains seven years of night-sky brightness data contributed by citizen scientists. We perform a statistical analysis of naked-eye limiting magnitudes (NELMs) and find that over the period from 2006 to 2012 global averages of NELMs have remained essentially constant. Observations in which participants reported both NELM and Unihedron Sky Quality Meter (SQM) measurements are compared to a theoretical expression relating night sky surface brightness and NELM: the overall agreement between observed and predicted NELM values based on the reported SQM measurements supports the reliability of GaN data.

Title:              The Site of the ASTRI SST-2M Telescope Prototype:
Atmospheric Monitoring and Auxiliary Instrumentation
Authors:            Leto, G.; Maccarone, M. C.; Bellassai, G.;
Bruno, P.; Fiorini, M.; Grillo, A.;
Martinetti, E.; La Rosa, G.; Segreto, A.;
Sottile, G.; Stringhetti, L.;
for the ASTRI Collaboration
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1402.3515
Publication Date:   02/2014
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics
Comment:            4 pages. Proceedings of the Atmospheric Monitoring
Conference, Saclay (France), June 10-12, 2013
Bibliographic Code: 2014arXiv1402.3515L


### Abstract

ASTRI is a Flagship Project led by the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics, INAF. The main objective of the ASTRI project is to develop a prototype of the Small Size class Telescope for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) in a dual-mirror configuration (SST-2M). The ASTRI SST-2M is an end-to-end prototype that will be fully developed by the ASTRI Collaboration from the optics design and manufacturing to the focal plane camera, from the structure of the mount to all the needed software. The ASTRI SST-2M prototype will be placed at the INAF "M.G. Fracastoro" observing station in Serra La Nave on the Etna Mountain near Catania, Italy. The technological solutions adopted will be tested on field: observations of the Crab Nebula and of other sources will be essential part of the science verification phase, with the aim to assess the achievement of the scientific requirements. In the following we present the Serra La Nave site together with all the auxiliary instruments needed for atmospheric monitoring and characterization, calibration and science verification of the ASTRI SST-2M prototype.

Title:              Light pollution versus meteor observation—an
imminent extinction?
Authors:            Atanackov, Jure
Affiliation:        AA(Astronomical Society Cygnus, Trebinjska 2,
SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
document.write(mkemail("jureatanackov","","gmail","com"));)

Publication:        Proceedings of the International Meteor Conference,
Poznan, Poland, 22-25 August 2013. Eds.: Gyssens,
M.; Roggemans, P.; Zoladek, P. International Meteor
Organization, ISBN 978-2-87355-025-7, pp. 211-213
Publication Date:   01/2014
Origin:             WGN
Bibliographic Code: 2014pim3.conf..211A


### Abstract

There has been an enormous increase in light pollution over the past two decades. In few fields in astronomy do observers feel the impact of light pollution as much as in visual meteor observations. Based on experience with young people starting out in meteor astronomy, I feel there is a strong connection between the quality of the night sky and the probability that a person will retain interest in visual meteor observations and possibly later advance to other techniques. With increasing light pollution, fewer people become interested in meteor observations. Meteor observers are also in the unique position to provide hard data for long term light pollution trend research. I discuss some possibilities on how to obtain such data that may ultimately help preserve or improve night sky quality and with it meteor astronomy.

Title:              Characterizing and Quantifying Time Dependent Night
Sky Brightness In and Around Tucson, Arizona
Authors:            Nydegger, Rachel
Affiliation:        AA(Utah State University; National Optical Astronomy
Observatory)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #223,
id.258.02
Publication Date:   01/2014
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2014: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2014AAS...22325802N


### Abstract

As part of a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program with the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), I (with mentor Dr. Constance Walker of NOAO) characterized light pollution in and near Tucson, Arizona using eight Sky Quality Meters (SQMs). In order to analyze the data in a consistent way for comparison, we created a standard procedure for reduction and analysis using python and MATLAB. The series of python scripts remove faulty data and examine specifically anthropogenic light pollution by excluding contributions made by the sun, moon, and the Milky Way. We then use MATLAB codes to illustrate how the light pollution changes in relation to time, distance from the city, and airglow. Data are then analyzed by a recently developed sky brightness model created by Dan Duriscoe of the National Park Service. To quantify the measurements taken by SQMs, we tested the wavelength sensitivity of the devices used for the data collection. The findings from the laboratory testing have prompted innovations for the SQMs as well as given a sense of how data gathered by these devices should be treated.

Title:              Moon night sky brightness simulation for the
Xinglong station
Authors:            Yao, Song; Zhang, Hao-Tong; Yuan, Hai-Long;
Zhao, Yong-Heng; Dong, Yi-Qiao; Bai, Zhong-Rui;
Deng, Li-Cai; Lei, Ya-Juan
Affiliation:        AA(Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National
Sciences, Beijing 100012, China ; Graduate
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
100049, China), AB(Key Laboratory of Optical
Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China),
AC(Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National
Sciences, Beijing 100012, China), AD(Key Laboratory
of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical
Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
100012, China), AE(Key Laboratory of Optical
Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China),
AF(Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National
Sciences, Beijing 100012, China), AG(Key Laboratory
of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical
Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing
100012, China), AH(Key Laboratory of Optical
Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China)
Publication:        Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 13,
Issue 10, article id. 1255-1268 (2013).
Publication Date:   10/2013
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1674-4527/13/10/013
Bibliographic Code: 2013RAA....13.1255Y


### Abstract

Using a sky brightness monitor at the Xinglong station of National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, we collected data from 22 dark clear nights and 90 moon nights. We first measured the sky brightness variation with time for dark nights and found a clear correlation between sky brightness and human activity. Then with a modified sky brightness model of moon nights and data from these nights, we derived the typical value for several important parameters in the model. With these results, we calculated the sky brightness distribution under a given moon condition for the Xinglong station. Furthermore, we simulated the sky brightness distribution of a moon night for a telescope with a 5° field of view (such as LAMOST). These simulations will be helpful for determining the limiting magnitude and exposure time, as well as planning the survey for LAMOST during moon nights.

Title:              A new astronomical method for determining the
brightness of the night sky and its application to
study long-term changes in the level of light
pollution
Authors:            Ściężor, T.
Affiliation:        AA(document.write(mkemail("sciezor","","vistula","pk","edu","pl"));)

Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 435, Issue 1, p.303-310 (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   10/2013
Origin:             OUP
Astronomy Keywords: light pollution, methods: data analysis, methods:
observational, site testing, comets: general
on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society
DOI:                10.1093/mnras/stt1297
Bibliographic Code: 2013MNRAS.435..303S


### Abstract

In this paper, I present a new method that has been developed for determining the brightness of a cloudless night sky, on the basis of widely available amateur observations of comets. The tests show the correctness of the method, which makes it possible to determine the level of light pollution, defined as the brightness of the artificial sky glow, through the use of the archival observations of comets. The use of data bases of comet observations in Poland in the period 1994-2009 has led to a positive verification of the known model map of the brightness of the night sky. Also, it has been possible to find changes in the level of light pollution in this period, at the selected observation sites.

Title:              Man Versus Machine: Eye Estimates in the Age of
Digital Imaging
Authors:            Osborn, Wayne
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1310.0540
Publication Date:   10/2013
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics, Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar
Astrophysics
Comment:            Presented at the "40 Years of Variable Stars: A
Celebration of Contributions by Horace A. Smith"
conference (arXiv:1310.0149). 11 pages, 8 figures
Bibliographic Code: 2013arXiv1310.0540O


### Abstract

Astronomical observing has been greatly simplified by the development and implementation of digital imaging techniques and remote observing. Aperture photometry of CCD data permits photometric measurements to be made routinely with uncertainties of a few hundredths of a magnitude or better. The question of whether there is still a place in modern observational astronomy for simple eye estimates of brightness is considered. Examples of recent uses of eye estimates are presented. Suggestions for when eye estimates should be avoided and when they are still worthwhile are offered. The reactions to these suggestions by the conference audience are summarized.

Title:              The Site of the ASTRI SST-2M Telescope Prototype
Authors:            Maccarone, Maria Concetta; Leto, Giuseppe;
Bruno, Pietro; Fiorini, Mauro;
Grillo, Alessandro; Segreto, Alberto;
Stringhetti, Luca; for The ASTRI Collaboration
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1307.5139
Publication Date:   07/2013
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics, Astrophysics - High Energy
Astrophysical Phenomena, Physics - Instrumentation
and Detectors
Comment:            In Proceedings of the 33rd International Cosmic Ray
Conference (ICRC2013), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). All
ASTRI contributions at arXiv:1307.4639
Bibliographic Code: 2013arXiv1307.5139M


### Abstract

ASTRI is a Flagship Project financed by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, and led by the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics, INAF. Primary goal of the ASTRI project is the design and production of an end-to-end prototype of Small Size Telescope for the CTA (Cherenkov Telescope Array) in a dual-mirror configuration (SST-2M) equipped with a camera at the focal plane composed by an array of Silicon Photo-Multipliers and devoted to the investigation of the highest gamma-ray energy band. The ASTRI SST-2M prototype will be placed at the INAF M.G. Fracastoro observing station in Serra La Nave on the Etna Mountain near Catania, Italy. After the verification tests, devoted to probe the technological solutions adopted, the ASTRI SST-2M prototype will perform scientific observations on the Crab Nebula and on some of the brightest TeV sources. Here we present the Serra La Nave site, its meteorological and weather conditions, the sky darkness and visibility, and the complex of auxiliary instrumentation that will be used on site to support the calibration and science verification phase as well as the regular data reconstruction and analysis of the ASTRI SST-2M prototype.

Title:              Characterization of the candidate site for the
Cherenkov Telescope Array at the Observatorio del
Teide
Authors:            Puerto-Giménez, Irene; Gaug, Markus;
Barrena, Rafael; Castro, Julio; Doro, Michele;
Font, Lluís; Nievas Rosillo, Miguel;
Zamorano, Jaime; CTA Consortium, for the
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1307.4989
Publication Date:   07/2013
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics
Comment:            In Proceedings of the 33rd International Cosmic Ray
Conference (ICRC2013), ID0609, Rio de Janeiro
(Brazil). All CTA contributions at arXiv:1307.2232
Bibliographic Code: 2013arXiv1307.4989P


### Abstract

The Spanish partners of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) have selected a candidate site for the Northern installation of CTA, at 3 km from the Observatorio del Teide (OT), in the Canary Island of Tenerife. As the OT is a very well-characterized astronomical site. We focus here on differences between the publicly accessible measurements from the OT observatory and those obtained with instruments deployed at the candidate site. We find that the winds are generally softer at the candidate site, and the level of background light comparable to the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) at La Palma in the B-band, while it is only slightly higher in the V-band.

Title:              Night Sky Background Analysis for the Cherenkov
Telescope Array using the Atmoscope instrument
Authors:            Gaug, Markus; CTA Consortium, for the
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1307.3053
Publication Date:   07/2013
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics
Comment:            In Proceedings of the 33rd International Cosmic Ray
Conference (ICRC2013), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil),
ID0658. All CTA contributions at arXiv:1307.2232
Bibliographic Code: 2013arXiv1307.3053G


### Abstract

The site selection group for the future Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) has deployed sensitive light sensors at 9 candidate sites, 5 of them in the Southern and 4 in the Northern hemisphere. The sensors are equipped with a PIN diode and a calibrated V-filter, and a blue/UV filter matching the spectral response of the photomultipliers to be employed in the CTA cameras. All sensor installations, denominated "Atmoscopes", have been cross-calibrated before deployment, and their sensitivity is monitored every two to five months. We show that a thoroughly developed model of the integral contribution of starlight to the overall light measure serves as an additional cross-calibration for each device during each night, reducing the systematic uncertainty of this measurement to less than 15%. The starlight can then be subtracted from the measurements, and the residuals compared among the different sites. We show that in most cases a decomposition into the contributions from zodiacal light, airglow and anthropogenic light pollution is possible.

Title:              The night sky brightness at Potsdam-Babelsberg
Authors:            Puschnig, Johannes; Schwope, Axel;
Posch, Thomas; Schwarz, Robert
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1307.2038
Publication Date:   07/2013
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics
Comment:            14 pages, 6 figures
Bibliographic Code: 2013arXiv1307.2038P


### Abstract

We analyze the results of a 2 years (2011--2012) time series of night sky photometry performed at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam (AIP). This observatory is located on top of a hill ("Babelsberg"), 22\,km to the southwest of the center of Berlin. The measurements have been performed with a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter. We find night sky brightness values ranging from 16.5 to 20.3 mag$_{\rm SQM}$ arcsec$^{-2}$; the latter (best) value corresponds to 4.7 times the natural zenithal night sky brightness. We discuss the influence of clouds, of the Moon and other factors on the night sky brightness. With respect to the influence of the Moon, it turns out that Potsdam-Babelsberg, despite its proximity to Berlin, still shows a circalunar periodicity of the night sky brightness, although it is much weaker than naturally. The light-pollution-enhancing effect of clouds dominates the night sky brightness by far. Overcast nights with light pollution (up to 16.5 mag$_{\rm SQM}$ arcsec$^{-2}$) are brighter than clear full moon nights ($\approx$ 18.5 mag$_{\rm SQM}$ arcsec$^{-2}$) in roughly the same proportion as the latter compared to clear nights with light pollution (20.3 mag$_{\rm SQM}$ arcsec$^{-2}$).

Title:              NIXNOX project: Enjoy the dark skies of Spain
Authors:            Zamorano, J.; Sánchez de Miguel, A.;
Alfaro, E.; Martínez-Delgado, D.; Ocaña, F.;
Nievas, M.; Gómez Castaño, J.
Affiliation:        AA(Departamento de Astrofísica y CC. de la
Spain) AB(Departamento de Astrofísica y CC. de la
Spain) AC(Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía
̈r Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AF(Departamento
de Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmosfera, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid (UCM) , Spain) AG(Departamento
de Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmosfera, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid (UCM) , Spain) AH(Departamento
de Astrofísica y CC. de la Atmosfera, Universidad
Complutense de Madrid (UCM) , Spain)
Publication:        Highlights of Spanish Astrophysics VII, Proceedings
of the X Scientific Meeting of the Spanish
Astronomical Society (SEA), held in Valencia, July 9
- 13, 2012, Eds.: J.C. Guirado, L.M. Lara, V.
Quilis, and J. Gorgas., pp.962-970
Publication Date:   05/2013
Origin:             AUTHOR
Bibliographic Code: 2013hsa7.conf..962Z


### Abstract

The NIXNOX project, sponsored by the Spanish Astronomical Society, is a Pro-Am collabo- ration with the aim of finding sites with dark skies. All sky data of the night sky brightness is being obtained by amateur astronomers with Sky Quality Meter (SQM) photometers. We are not looking for remote locations because the places should be easily accessible by people with children. Our goal is to motivate citizens to observe the night sky. NIXNOX will provide information to answer the question: where can I go to observe the stars with my family?

Title:              Characterizing Sky Brightness Throughout the Night
in and around Tucson Arizona
Authors:            Jensen, Linsey J.; Walker, C. E.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory; Utah
State University), AB(National Optical Astronomy
Observatory)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #221,
id.156.04
Publication Date:   01/2013
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2013: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2013AAS...22115604J


### Abstract

Five data-logging Sky Quality Meters were situated in and around Tucson Arizona while another three were placed on nearby mountaintops for about six weeks. The data from these instruments were used to understand how the sky brightness changes throughout the night in different locations around Tucson. As expected, the sky brightness of the mountains was dominated by natural light while the sky brightness of the city was dominated by artificial light. Unexpected results were that the sky got brighter during the course of the night on the mountains. This puzzle was solved using All-Sky Camera data. The night sky brightness was measured at one site with two separate instruments: a Sky Quality Meter and a Night Sky Brightness Monitor. The trend of changing brightness was in agreement with each other, but there was an unexpected offset between the values. Jensen was supported by the NOAO/KPNO Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program which is funded by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program and the Department of Defense ASSURE program through Scientific Program Order No. 13 (AST-0754223) of the Cooperative Agreement No. AST-0132798 between the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)and the NSF.

Title:              The propagation of light pollution in the atmosphere
Authors:            Cinzano, P.; Falchi, F.
Affiliation:        AA(Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia
dell'Inquinamento Luminoso (ISTIL), Via Roma 13
I-36016 Thiene, Italy), AB(Istituto di Scienza e
Tecnologia dell'Inquinamento Luminoso (ISTIL), Via
Roma 13 I-36016 Thiene, Italy; CieloBuio,
Coordinamento per la Protezione del Cielo Notturno,
Osservatorio Astronomico 'G. V. Schiaparelli', Via
A. Del Sarto 3 21100 Varese, Italy)
Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 427, Issue 4, pp. 3337-3357. (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   12/2012
Origin:             WILEY
Astronomy Keywords: radiative transfer, scattering, atmospheric effects,
light pollution, site testing
DOI:                10.1111/j.1365-2966.2012.21884.x
Bibliographic Code: 2012MNRAS.427.3337C


### Abstract

Recent methods to map artificial night-sky brightness and stellar visibility across large territories or their distribution over the entire sky at any site are based on computation of the propagation of light pollution with Garstang models, a simplified solution of the radiative transfer problem in the atmosphere that allows fast computation by reducing it to a ray-tracing approach. They are accurate for a clear atmosphere, when a two-scattering approximation is acceptable, which is the most common situation. We present here up-to-date extended Garstang models (EGM), which provide a more general numerical solution for the radiative transfer problem applied to the propagation of light pollution in the atmosphere. We also present the LPTRAN software package, an application of EGM to high-resolution Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Linescan System (OLS) satellite measurements of artificial light emission and to GTOPO30 (Global 30 Arcsecond) digital elevation data, which provides an up-to-date method to predict the artificial brightness distribution of the night sky at any site in the world at any visible wavelength for a broad range of atmospheric situations and the artificial radiation density in the atmosphere across the territory. EGM account for (i) multiple scattering, (ii) wavelengths from 250 nm to infrared, (iii) the Earth's curvature and its screening effects, (iv) site and source elevation, (v) many kinds of atmosphere with the possibility of custom set-up (e.g. including thermal inversion layers), (vi) a mix of different boundary-layer aerosols and tropospheric aerosols, with the possibility of custom set-up, (vii) up to five aerosol layers in the upper atmosphere, including fresh and aged volcanic dust and meteoric dust, (viii) variations of the scattering phase function with elevation, (ix) continuum and line gas absorption from many species, ozone included, (x) up to five cloud layers, (xi) wavelength-dependent bidirectional reflectance of the ground surface from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data, main models or custom data (snow included) and (xii) geographically variable upward light-emission function given as a three-parameter function or a Legendre polynomial series. Atmospheric scattering properties or light-pollution propagation functions from other sources can also be applied. A more general solution allows us to account also for (xiii) mountain screening, (xiv) geographical gradients of atmospheric conditions, including localized clouds and (xv) geographic distribution of ground surfaces, but suffers from too heavy computational requirements. Comparisons between predictions of classic Garstang models and EGM show close agreement for a US62 standard clear atmosphere and typical upward emission function.

Title:              Measuring and Characterizing Sky Brightness over the
Nighttime in Tucson and Surrounding Observatory
Mountaintops
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Jensen, L.; Pompea, S. M.
Affiliation:        AA(Natl Optical Astronomy Observ, Tucson, AZ, USA;
document.write(mkemail("cwalker","","noao","edu"));), AB(Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA; document.write(mkemail("linsey","","noao","edu"));), AC(Natl Optical Astronomy Observ, Tucson, AZ, USA; document.write(mkemail("spompea","","noao","edu"));)

Publication:        American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2012,
abstract #ED43A-0723
Publication Date:   12/2012
Origin:             AGU
Keywords:           0800 EDUCATION
Bibliographic Code: 2012AGUFMED43A0723W


### Abstract

Research interns are using 6 Sky Quality Meters (SQM) around Tucson and 4 more on nearby observatory mountaintops to measure the night sky brightness and characterize its behavior over the entire night over the summer and during the academic school year. The "SQM" devices are inexpensive, yet reliable, computer-free devices, automatically log data, and have housing to protect them from weather. The students download the data onto a computer every few weeks. Two devices are at a central location on the roof of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) and the others are 9 miles N, E, S and W. Four more devices are on observatory mountaintops, namely Mount Lemmon, Mount Hopkins and 2 on Kitt Peak. For the pair of devices at NOAO and on Kitt Peak, one is in the housing unit and the other is exposed to the night sky to track the lossiness of the glass in the housing unit. The SQM is next to the sophisticated and more expensive "Night Sky Brightness Monitor" (NSBM) on Mount Lemmon, Mount Hopkins and, in the future, Kitt Peak. The student interns compare the SQM to the NSBM data on the mountaintops, weather data (temperature and humidity), internal temperature of the SQM, the all-sky camera that is up on Kitt Peak and the SQM results from Tucson. Weather stations already exist very close to all of the locations (usually within a mile or a few feet). We discuss the students' analysis of the data and conclusions as well as the challenges and successes of the program and its plans for expansion.

Title:              The development of an innovative
ecophotonics/illumination engineering education
Authors:            Walker, Constance E.; Pompea, Stephen M.;
Sparks, Robert T.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory (United
States)), AB(National Optical Astronomy Observatory
(United States)), AC(National Optical Astronomy
Observatory (United States))
Publication:        Optics Education and Outreach II. Proceedings of the
SPIE, Volume 8481, article id. 84810E, 11 pp.
(2012). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   10/2012
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9780819491985
DOI:                10.1117/12.930273
Bibliographic Code: 2012SPIE.8481E..0EW


### Abstract

Not Available

Title:              Characterizing near-infrared sky brightness in the
Authors:            Sivanandam, Suresh; Graham, James R.;
Abraham, Roberto; Tekatch, Anthony;
Steinbring, Eric; Ngan, Wayne; Welch, Doug L.;
Law, Nicholas M.
Affiliation:        AA(Univ. of Toronto (Canada)), AB(Univ. of Toronto
Publication:        Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for
Astronomy IV. Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 8446,
article id. 844643, 12 pp. (2012). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2012
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9780819491473
DOI:                10.1117/12.926251
Bibliographic Code: 2012SPIE.8446E..43S


### Abstract

We present the first measurements of the near-infrared (NIR), specifically the J-band, sky background in the Canadian High Arctic. There has been considerable recent interest in the development of an astronomical observatory in Ellesmere Island; initial site testing has shown promise for a world-class site. Encouragement for our study came from sky background measurements on the high Antarctic glacial plateau in winter that showed markedly lower NIR emission when compared to good mid-latitude astronomical sites due to reduced emission from the Meinel bands, i.e. hydroxyl radical (OH) airglow lines. This is possibly a Polar effect and may also be present in the High Arctic. To test this hypothesis, we carried out an experiment which measured the the J-band sky brightness in the High Arctic during winter. We constructed a zenith-pointing, J-band photometer, and installed it at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) near Eureka, Nunavut (latitude: 80° N). We present the design of our ruggedized photometer and our results from our short PEARL observing campaign in February 2012. Taken over a period of four days, our measurements indicate that the J-band sky brightness varies between 15.5-15.9 mag arcsec2 with a measurement uncertainty of 0.15 mag. The uncertainty is entirely dominated by systematic errors present in our radiometric calibration. On our best night, we measured a fairly consistent sky brightness of 15.8 +/- 0.15 mag arcsec2. This is not corrected for atmospheric extinction, which is typically < 0.1 mag in the J-band on a good night. The measured sky brightness is comparable to an excellent mid-latitude site, but is not as dark as claimed by the Antarctic measurements. We discuss possible explanations of why we do not see as dark skies as in the Antarctic. Future winter-long sky brightness measurements are anticipated to obtain the necessary statistics to make a proper comparison with the Antarctic measurements.

Title:              Red is the new black: how the colour of urban
skyglow varies with cloud cover
Authors:            Kyba, C. C. M.; Ruhtz, T.; Fischer, J.; Hölker, F.
Affiliation:        AA(Institute for Space Sciences, Freie Universität
Berlin, Carl-Heinrich-Becker-Weg 6-10 D-12165
Berlin, Germany; Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater
Ecology and Inland Fisheries, D-12587 Berlin,
Germany), AB(Institute for Space Sciences, Freie
Universität Berlin, Carl-Heinrich-Becker-Weg 6-10
D-12165 Berlin, Germany), AC(Institute for Space
Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin,
Carl-Heinrich-Becker-Weg 6-10 D-12165 Berlin,
and Inland Fisheries, D-12587 Berlin, Germany)
Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 425, Issue 1, pp. 701-708. (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   09/2012
Origin:             WILEY
instrumentation: detectors, light pollution
DOI:                10.1111/j.1365-2966.2012.21559.x
Bibliographic Code: 2012MNRAS.425..701K


### Abstract

The development of street lamps based on solid-state lighting technology is likely to introduce a major change in the colour of urban skyglow (one form of light pollution). We demonstrate the need for long-term monitoring of this trend by reviewing the influences it is likely to have on disparate fields. We describe a prototype detector which is able to monitor these changes, and could be produced at a cost low enough to allow extremely widespread use. Using the detector, we observed the differences in skyglow radiance in red, green and blue channels. We find that clouds increase the radiance of red light by a factor of 17.6, which is much larger than that for blue (7.1). We also find that the gradual decrease in sky radiance observed on clear nights in Berlin appears to be most pronounced at longer wavelengths.

Title:              Morning twilight measured at Bandung and Jombang
Authors:            Arumaningtyas, Eka Puspita; Raharto, Moedji;
Herdiwijaya, Dhani
Affiliation:        AA(Astronomy magister program, Indonesia),
AB(Astronomy magister program, IndonesiaResearch
division, Astronomy Department Faculty Mathematics
and Natural Science Institute Technology of Bandung
Jl. Ganesha no. 10 Bandung West Java, Indonesia),
AC(Astronomy magister program, IndonesiaResearch
division, Astronomy Department Faculty Mathematics
and Natural Science Institute Technology of Bandung
Jl. Ganesha no. 10 Bandung West Java, Indonesia)
Publication:        International Conference on Physics and its
Applications: (ICPAP 2011).  AIP Conference
Proceedings, Volume 1454. AIP Conference
Proceedings, Volume 1454, Issue 1, p.29-31 (AIPC
Homepage)
Publication Date:   06/2012
Origin:             AIP
Keywords:           atmospheric optics, atmospheric techniques, sky
brightness
Abstract Copyright: 2012: American Institute of Physics
DOI:                10.1063/1.4730680
Bibliographic Code: 2012AIPC.1454...29A


### Abstract

Twilight divided into three categories namely, astronomical twilight, nautical twilight, and civil twilight. The three types of twilight can occur either in the evening or early morning. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory the three types distinguished by the depression (altitude of the sun below the horizon) for the evening or the morning twilight, -180, -120, and -60. Sky brightness measurements usually intended to determine the quality of the sky at some observation site or to determine the quality of the atmosphere by light pollution. Sky brightness data could be use for practical purposes such as to determine prayer times (Morning Prayer). This study describes the measurement of sky brightness using a light meter Sky Quality Meter. The measurements indicate the presence of different values and patterns in the twilight sky brightness. This variability highly determined by the weather conditions. Sky brightness shows a constant value shortly after the evening astronomical twilight and before morning astronomical twilight. Before the evening astronomical twilight and after morning astronomical twilight sky brightness showing continue changing.

Title:              Measuring and mapping the night sky brightness of
Perth, Western Australia
Authors:            Biggs, James D.; Fouché, Tiffany; Bilki, Frank;
Affiliation:        AA(Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, Department
of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University,
Bentley 6102, WA, Australia; Perth Observatory, 337
Walnut Road, Bickley 6076, WA, Australia),
AB(Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin
University, Bentley 6102, WA, Australia),
AC(Micromine, Nedlands 6009, WA, Australia),
AD(Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin
University, Bentley 6102, WA, Australia)
Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 421, Issue 2, pp. 1450-1464. (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   04/2012
Origin:             WILEY
Astronomy Keywords: scattering, atmospheric effects, light pollution,
techniques: photometric
DOI:                10.1111/j.1365-2966.2012.20416.x
Bibliographic Code: 2012MNRAS.421.1450B


### Abstract

In order to study the light pollution produced in the city of Perth, Western Australia, we have used a hand-held sky brightness meter to measure the night sky brightness across the city. The data acquired facilitated the creation of a contour map of night sky brightness across the 2400 km2 area of the city - the first such map to be produced for a city. Importantly, this map was created using a methodology borrowed from the field of geophysics - the well proven and rigorous techniques of geostatistical analysis and modelling.

A major finding of this study is the effect of land use on night sky brightness. By overlaying the night sky brightness map on to a suitably processed Landsat satellite image of Perth we found that locations near commercial and/or light industrial areas have a brighter night sky, whereas locations used for agriculture or having high vegetation coverage have a fainter night sky than surrounding areas. Urban areas have intermediate amounts of vegetation and are intermediate in brightness compared with the above-mentioned land uses. Regions with a higher density of major highways also appear to contribute to increased night sky brightness.

When corrected for the effects of direct illumination from high buildings, we found that the night sky brightness in the central business district (CBD) is very close to that expected for a city of Perth's population from modelling work and observations obtained in earlier studies. Given that our night sky brightness measurements in Perth over 2009 and 2010 are commensurate with that measured in Canadian cities over 30 years earlier implies that the various lighting systems employed in Perth (and probably most other cities) have not been optimised to minimize light pollution over that time.

We also found that night sky brightness diminished with distance with an exponent of approximately -0.25 ± 0.02 from 3.5 to 10 km from the Perth CBD, a region characterized by urban and commercial land use. For distances from 10 out to about 40 km from the CBD the radial variation of night sky brightness steepens to have an exponent value of approximately -1.8 ± 0.2. This steepening is associated with land use because vegetation cover increases with further distance from the CBD.

Title:              A method for conducting dark sky surveys and light
pollution monitoring with the contribution of
amateur astronomers and students
Authors:            Papalambrou, A.
Affiliation:        AA(University of Patras / Orion)
Publication:        10th Hellenic Astronomical Conference, Proceedings
of the conference held at Ioannina, Greece, 5-8
September 2011.  Edited by Iossif Papadakis and
Publication Date:   01/2012
Origin:             AUTHOR
Bibliographic Code: 2012hell.conf...31P


### Abstract

This work presents a methodology for conducting dark sky surveys using easily available and inexpensive equipment in place of sophisticated instruments for photometry and spectrometry which can be expensive and not always mobile. The instrument is a portable photometer called Sky Quality Meter. It is endorsed by the International Dark sky Association and has been used in similar surveys around the world. Small scale dark sky surveys were conducted by the author in the region of Achaia and mount Hymettus in Attica using the Sky Quality Meter in order to test its efficiency and usability. It was concluded that this instrument is suitable for dark sky surveys and accurate enough for serious work in light pollution monitoring. Moreover, based on the measured data and gathered experience, a model is proposed on how this instrument can be used to conduct a country-wide dark sky survey with the participation of Tertiary and Secondary education institutes as well as amateur astronomers.

Title:              Light Pollution Around Tucson, AZ And Its Effect On
The Spatial Distribution Of Lesser Long-nosed Bats
Authors:            Fersch, Alisa; Walker, C.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory),
AB(National Optical Astronomy Observatory)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #219,
id.141.04
Publication Date:   01/2012
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2012: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2012AAS...21914104F


### Abstract

Light pollution is a well-known problem for astronomers. It is also gaining attention as an ecological issue. The federally endangered Lesser Long-Nosed Bat (Leptonycteris cursoae) resides for part of the year near Tucson, Arizona. It is possible that this species tends to avoid light. Excess artificial light would therefore interfere with the bats’ flight patterns and foraging habits. In order to test this hypothesis, we quantified night sky brightness with data from the citizen-science campaign GLOBE at Night. Using direct measurements taken with a Sky Quality Meter (SQM), we created a contour map of the artificial night sky brightness around Tucson. When this map is compared to the approximate flight paths of the lesser long-nosed bat, we can see that the bats do appear to be avoiding the brightest area of Tucson. We also used logistic regression to analyze what combination of ecological variables (ecoregion, vegetation cover, landform and light) best describes the observed spatial distribution of lesser long-nosed bats. Of the models that were tested, light alone was not a good predictor of the bat presence or absence. However, light in addition to vegetation and ecoregion was the best model. This information can be useful for making decisions about lighting codes in areas of the city that the bats tend to traverse. The contour map of light pollution in Tucson will be useful for both future astronomy and ecology studies and can also be used for public outreach about light pollution.

Fersch was supported by the NOAO/KPNO Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program which is funded by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program and the Department of Defense ASSURE program through Scientific Program Order No. 13 (AST-0754223) of the Cooperative Agreement No. AST-0132798 between the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) and the NSF.

Title:              Proto-Typing Research Aimed for Secondary School
Students and Teachers
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Fersch, A.; Barringer, D.;
Pompea, S. M.
Affiliation:        AA(Natl Optical Astronomy Observ, Tucson, AZ, USA;
document.write(mkemail("cwalker","","noao","edu"));), AB(Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, USA; document.write(mkemail("afersch","","wesleyan","edu"));), AC(Union College, Schenectady, NY, USA; document.write(mkemail("barringd","","garnet","union","edu"));), AD(Natl Optical Astronomy Observ, Tucson, AZ, USA; document.write(mkemail("spompea","","noao","edu"));)

Publication:        American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011,
abstract #ED53C-0798
Publication Date:   12/2011
Origin:             AGU
Keywords:           0426 BIOGEOSCIENCES / Biosphere/atmosphere
interactions, 0805 EDUCATION / Elementary and
secondary education, 0810 EDUCATION / Post-secondary
education, 0830 EDUCATION / Teacher training
Bibliographic Code: 2011AGUFMED53C0798W


### Abstract

In workshops on GLOBE at Night, teacher professional development has begun on using night sky brightness data and bat telemetry data to do scientific research in the classroom. The study looks at the effects of light pollution on the flight paths of threatened and endangered (T&E) bats between their day roosts and night foraging areas. A jump-start in getting secondary school students involved was the BioBlitz event in Tucson, Arizona in October 2011. During the 24-hour event, night Sky Quality Meter (SQM) data was taken across the Saguaro National Park West, through Tucson and across the Saguaro National Park East. The program had its beginning with a pair of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) students and their advisor. Through the collaboration of the National Science Foundation's REU program, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory's GLOBE at Night program and the U.S. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AzGFD), two REU students along with their advisor used data from the GLOBE at Night project and telemetry tracking data of lesser long-nosed bats to study the effects of light pollution on the flight paths of the bats between their day roosts and night foraging areas around the city of Tucson, AZ. During the summer of 2010, the first REU student used the visual limiting magnitude data from GLOBE at Night and, with the assistance of the AzGFD, ran compositional analyses with respect to the bats' flight paths to determine whether the bats were selecting for or against flight through regions of particular night sky brightness levels. The bats selected for the regions in which the limiting sky magnitudes fell between the ranges of 2.8-3.0 to 3.6-3.8 and 4.4-4.6 to 5.0-5.2, suggesting that the lesser long-nosed bat can tolerate a fair degree of urbanization. Three areas of systematic uncertainty were identified of which 2 could be addressed the following summer. Due to a relatively large uncertainty in each individually measured visual limiting magnitude, Sky Quality Meter (SQM) measurements were subsequently used as a more objective source of data. In addition, the area over which the data was taken was expanded to redress spurious edge effects in making contour maps. During the summer of 2011, the second REU student took more SQM data and, with the SQM database from GLOBE at Night and the assistance of the AzGFD, performed a logistic regression analysis with respect to the bats' flight paths to determine whether the bats preferred or avoided flight through regions of particular night sky brightness levels. During the presentation, we will provide more on the analysis and conclusions of the research, as well as the extension of the program to secondary students and teachers. Should the conclusion be that the bats are preferentially staying in darker areas, a next step for students and teachers would include helping to maintain a dark corridor where the T&E lesser long nosed bats travel between roosts and foraging areas. Should this prototype project succeed, it will be used as a template for other REU and secondary school research projects on endangered animals across the U.S. affected by light pollution. Teacher professional development will play a big role in the program's future success.

Title:              GLOBE at Night: a Worldwide Citizen-Science Program
to Increase Awareness of Light Pollution by
Measuring Night Sky Brightness
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Pompea, S. M.
Affiliation:        AA(Natl Optical Astronomy Observ, Tucson, AZ, USA;
document.write(mkemail("cwalker","","noao","edu"));), AB(Natl Optical Astronomy Observ, Tucson, AZ, USA; document.write(mkemail("spompea","","noao","edu"));)

Publication:        American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011,
abstract #ED41D-07
Publication Date:   12/2011
Origin:             AGU
Keywords:           0800 EDUCATION, 0805 EDUCATION / Elementary and
secondary education, 0815 EDUCATION / Informal
education, 0830 EDUCATION / Teacher training
Bibliographic Code: 2011AGUFMED41D..07W


### Abstract

The emphasis in the international citizen-science, star-hunting campaign, GLOBE at Night, is in bringing awareness to the public on issues of light pollution. Light pollution threatens not only observatory sites and our "right to starlight", but can affect energy consumption, wildlife and health. GLOBE at Night has successfully reached a few 100,000 citizen-scientists. What has contributed to its success? Foundational resources are available to facilitate the public's participation in promoting dark skies awareness. The GLOBE at Night website explains clearly the simple-to-participate-in 5 step program and offers background information and interactive games on key concepts. To promote the campaign via popular social media, GLOBE at Night created Facebook and Twitter pages. The program has been expanded to include trainings of the general public, but especially educators in schools, museums and science centers, in unique ways. Education kits for dark skies awareness have been distributed at the training workshops. The kit includes material for a light shielding demonstration, a digital Sky Quality Meter and "Dark Skies Rangers" activities. The activities are on how unshielded light wastes energy, how light pollution affects wildlife and how one can participate in a citizen-science star-hunt like GLOBE at Night. To increase participation in the 2011 campaign, children and adults submitted their sky brightness measurements in real time with smart phones or tablets using the web application at www.globeatnight.org/webapp/. With smart phones and tablets, the location, date and time register automatically. For those without smart mobile devices, user-friendly tools on the GLOBE at Night report page were reconfigured to determine latitude and longitude more easily and accurately. As a proto-type for taking multiple measurements, people in Tucson found it easy to adopt a street and take measurements every mile for the length of the street. The grid of measurements canvassed the town, allowing for comparisons of light levels over time (hours, days, years) or searching for dark sky oases or light polluted areas. The increase to 2 campaigns in 2011 re-enforces these studies. The intent is to offer the program year-round for seasonal studies. The data can also be used to compare with datasets on wildlife, health, and energy consumption. Recently, NOAO and the Arizona Game and Fish Department have started a project with GLOBE at Night data and bat telemetry to examine a dark skies corridor in Tucson where the endangered bats fly. In addition, a 2nd new Web application (www.globeatnight.org/mapapp/) allows for mapping GLOBE at Night data points within a specified distance around a city or an area of choice. The resulting maps are bookmarkable and shareable. The presentation will highlight the education and outreach value of the program's resources and outcomes, lessons learned, successes and pitfalls in communicating awareness with the public and attracting young people to study science.

Title:              Astronomy Outreach in Cuba: Trip Two
Authors:            Chapman, David M. F.
Publication:        Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada,
Vol. 105, No. 5, p.195
Publication Date:   10/2011
Origin:             JRASC
Bibliographic Code: 2011JRASC.105..195C


### Abstract

Not Available

Title:              Astronomy Meets the Environmental Sciences: Using
GLOBE at Night Data
Authors:            Barringer, D.; Walker, C. E.; Pompea, S. M.;
Sparks, R. T.
Publication:        Earth and Space Science: Making Connections in
Education and Public Outreach. Proceedings of a
conference held at the University of Colorado,
Boulder, Colorado, USA 31 July-4 August 2010. Edited
by Joseph B. Jensen, James G. Manning, and Michael
G. Gibbs.  San Francisco: Astronomical Society of
the Pacific, 2011., p.373
Publication Date:   09/2011
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2011ASPC..443..373B


### Abstract

The GLOBE at Night database now contains over 52,000 observations from the five annual two-week campaigns. It can be used as a resource to explore various issues related to light pollution and our environment. Students can compare data over time to look for changes and trends. For example, they can compare the data to population density or with nighttime photography and spectroscopy of lights. The data can be used in a lighting survey, to search for dark sky oases or to monitor ordinance compliance. Students can study effects of light pollution on animals, plants, human health, safety, security, energy consumption, and cost. As an example, we used data from the GLOBE at Night project and telemetry tracking data of lesser long-nosed bats obtained by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to study the effects of light pollution on the flight paths of the bats between their day roosts and night foraging areas around the city of Tucson, AZ. With the visual limiting magnitude data from GLOBE at Night, we ran a compositional analysis with respect to the bats' flight paths to determine whether the bats were selecting for or against flight through regions of particular night sky brightness levels. We found that the bats selected for the regions in which the limiting sky magnitudes fell between the ranges of 2.8-3.0 to 3.6-3.8 and 4.4-4.6 to 5.0-5.2, suggesting that the lesser long-nosed bat can tolerate a fair degree of urbanization. We also compared this result to contour maps created with digital Sky Quality Meter (<a href='http://www.unihedron.com'>http://www.unihedron.com</a>) data.

Title:              Sustainable Astronomy
Authors:            Blaha, C.; Goetz, J.; Johnson, T.
Publication:        Earth and Space Science: Making Connections in
Education and Public Outreach. Proceedings of a
conference held at the University of Colorado,
Boulder, Colorado, USA 31 July-4 August 2010. Edited
by Joseph B. Jensen, James G. Manning, and Michael
G. Gibbs.  San Francisco: Astronomical Society of
the Pacific, 2011., p.219
Publication Date:   09/2011
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2011ASPC..443..219B


### Abstract

Through our International Year of Astronomy outreach effort, we established a sustainable astronomy program and curriculum in the Northfield, Minnesota community. Carleton College offers monthly open houses at Goodsell Observatory and donated its recently "retire" observing equipment to local schools. While public evenings continue to be popular, the donated equipment was underutilized due to a lack of trained student observing assistants. With sponsorship from NASA's IYA Student Ambassador program, the sustainable astronomy project began in 2009 to generate greater interest in astronomy and train middle school and high school students as observing assistants. Carleton physics majors developed curricular materials and instituted regular outreach programs for grades 6-12. The Northfield High School Astronomy Club was created, and Carleton undergraduates taught high school students how to use telescopes and do CCD imaging. During the summer of 2009, Carleton students began the Young Astronomers Summer Experience (YASE) program for middle school students and offered a two-week, astronomy-rich observing and imaging experience at Goodsell Observatory. In concert with NASA's Summer of Innovation initiative, the YASE program was offered again in 2010 and engaged a new group of local middle school students in hands-on scientific experiments and observing opportunities. Members of the high school astronomy club now volunteer as observing assistants in the community and graduates of the YASE programs are eager to continue observing as members of a public service astronomy club when they enter the Northfield High School. These projects are training future scientists and will sustain the public's interest in astronomy long after the end of IYA 2009.

Title:              Night-sky brightness monitoring in Hong Kong - a
city-wide light pollution assessment
Authors:            Pun, Chun Shing Jason; Wing So, Chu
Publication:        eprint arXiv:1106.3842
Publication Date:   06/2011
Origin:             ARXIV
Keywords:           Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for
Astrophysics
Comment:            33 pages, 13 figures, Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment, in press; Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment 184 (2012) 2537-2557;
doi:10.1007/s10661-011-2136-1
Bibliographic Code: 2011arXiv1106.3842P


### Abstract

Results of the first comprehensive light pollution survey in Hong Kong are presented. The night-sky brightness was measured and monitored around the city using a portable light sensing device called the Sky Quality Meter over a 15-month period beginning in March 2008. A total of 1,957 data sets were taken at 199 distinct locations, including urban and rural sites covering all 18 Administrative Districts of Hong Kong. The survey shows that the environmental light pollution problem in Hong Kong is severe - the urban night-skies (sky brightness at 15.0 mag per arcsec square) are on average ~100 times brighter than at the darkest rural sites (20.1 mag per arcsec square), indicating that the high lighting densities in the densely populated residential and commercial areas lead to light pollution. In the worst polluted urban location studied, the night-sky at 13.2 mag per arcsec square can be over 500 times brighter than the darkest sites in Hong Kong. The observed night-sky brightness is found to be affected by human factors such as land utilization and population density of the observation sites, together with meteorological and/or environmental factors. Moreover, earlier night-skies (at 9:30pm local time) are generally brighter than later time (at 11:30pm), which can be attributed to some public and commercial lightings being turned off later at night. On the other hand, no concrete relationship between the observed sky brightness and air pollutant concentrations could be established with the limited survey sampling. Results from this survey will serve as an important database for the public to assess whether new rules and regulations are necessary to control the use of outdoor lightings in Hong Kong.

Title:              The Sky Brightness Data Archive (SBDA)
Authors:            Craine, Eric R.; Craine, Erin M.; Craine, Brian L.
Publication:        The Society for Astronomical Sciences 30th Annual
Symposium on Telescope Science.  Held May 24-26,
for Astronomical Sciences, pp.45-52
Publication Date:   05/2011
Origin:             SAS
Bibliographic Code: 2011SASS...30...45C


### Abstract

Although many astronomers have long been sensitive to issues of light pollution and deteriorating sky quality it is only in recent years that such interest has extended to other groups including, among others, ecologists, health professionals, and urban planners. Issues of light pollution and loss of dark skies are starting to appear in the scientific literature in the context of health and behavior impacts on both human and animal life. Nonetheless, a common deficiency in most such studies is the absence of historical or baseline data against which to compare sky brightness trends and temporal changes. To address this deficiency we have begun to collect a variety of types of quantitative sky brightness data for insertion in an international sky brightness archive that can be accessed for research projects which are dependent upon an understanding of the nature of local light pollution issues. To aid this process we have developed a mobile sky brightness meter which automatically logs sky brightness and observation location. The device can be stationary for long periods of time or can be easily transported for continuous sky brightness measurement from ground vehicles, boats, or aircraft. The sampling rate is typically about 0.25Hz. We present here examples of different modes of sky brightness measurement, various means of displaying and analyzing such data, ways to interpret natural astronomical phenomena apparent in the data, and suggest a number of complementary scientific projects that may capture the interest of both professional and amateur scientists. Finally, we discuss the status of the archive and ways that potential contributors may submit their observations for publication in the archive.

Title:              Campaign of sky brightness and extinction
measurements using a portable CCD camera
Authors:            Falchi, Fabio
Affiliation:        AA(Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia
dell'Inquinamento Luminoso, Via Roma 13, I-36106
Thiene, Italy)
Publication:        Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,
Volume 412, Issue 1, pp. 33-48. (MNRAS Homepage)
Publication Date:   03/2011
Origin:             WILEY
Astronomy Keywords: light pollution, site testing, techniques:
photometric
DOI:                10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.17845.x
Bibliographic Code: 2011MNRAS.412...33F


### Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of a 12-yr campaign devoted to monitoring the sky brightness affected by different levels of light pollution. Different sites characterized by different altitudes and atmospheric transparency have been considered. The standard photometric Johnson B and V bands were used. An extinction measurement was performed for each site and each night, along with a calibration of the instrument. These measurements have allowed us to build sky brightness maps of the hemisphere above each observing site; each map contains up to 200 data points spread around the sky. We have found a stop in zenith sky brightness growth at the two sites where a time series exists. Using zenith sky brightness measurements taken with and without extensive snow coverage, we weighted the importance of direct versus indirect flux in producing sky glow at several sites.

Title:              Effects Of Light Pollution On The Movements Of
Leptonycteris Curasoae Yerbabuenae In The Tucson
Area
Authors:            Barringer, Daniel; Walker, C.
Affiliation:        AA(Union College), AB(National Optical Astronomy
Observatory)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #217,
id.349.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical
Society, Vol. 43, 2011
Publication Date:   01/2011
Origin:             AAS
Abstract Copyright: (c) 2011: American Astronomical Society
Bibliographic Code: 2011AAS...21734907B


### Abstract

We used data from the GLOBE at Night project and telemetry tracking data of lesser long-nosed bats obtained by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to study the effects of light pollution on the flight paths of the bats between their day roosts and night foraging areas around the city of Tucson, AZ. With the visual limiting magnitude data from GLOBE at Night, we ran a compositional analysis with respect to the bats’ flight paths to determine whether the bats were selecting for or against flight through regions of particular night sky brightness levels. We found that the bats selected for the regions in which the limiting sky magnitudes fell between the ranges of 2.8-3.0 to 3.6-3.8 and 4.4-4.6 to 5.0-5.2, suggesting that the lesser long-nosed bat can tolerate a fair degree of urbanization. We also compared this result to contour maps created with digital Sky Quality Meter data. In this presentation, we present the results from our compositional analysis with respect to the habits of the lesser long-nosed bat. For more information, please visit www.globeatnight.org.

Title:              A Simple, Portable Apparatus to Measure Night Sky
Brightness at Various Zenith Angles
Authors:            Birriel, J.; Adkins, J. K.
University)
Publication:        The Journal of the American Association of Variable
Star Observers, vol. 38, nr. 2, p. 221
Publication Date:   12/2010
Origin:             AAVSO
Abstract Copyright: (c)2010: The American Association of Variable Star
Observers
Bibliographic Code: 2010JAVSO..38..221B


### Abstract

We describe a simple apparatus for making measurements of night sky brightness as a function of zenith and azimuth using "off-the-shelf" equipment: a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter with Lens, a protractor with plumb-line, a tripod, and a hand-held compass. Compared to a photoelectric or CCD photometric system, this apparatus is simple to set up and use and does not require complex data reduction procedures. Thus, this apparatus makes measurements of night sky brightness as a function of zenith and azimuthal angles quite amenable to students.

Title:              GLOBE at Night: Raising Public Awareness and
Involvement through Citizen Science
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Pompea, S. M.; Sparks, R. T.
Affiliation:        AA(Education & Public Outreach, National Optical
Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, AZ, USA
document.write(mkemail("cwalker","","noao","edu"));), AB(Education & Public Outreach, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, AZ, USA document.write(mkemail("spompea","","noao","edu"));), AC(Education & Public Outreach, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, AZ, USA document.write(mkemail("rsparks","","noao","edu"));)

Publication:        American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010,
abstract #ED11A-0579
Publication Date:   12/2010
Origin:             AGU
Keywords:           0800 EDUCATION, 0805 EDUCATION / Elementary and
secondary education, 0815 EDUCATION / Informal
education, 0830 EDUCATION / Teacher training
Bibliographic Code: 2010AGUFMED11A0579W


### Abstract

With half of the world’s population now living in cities, many urban dwellers have never experienced the wonderment of pristinely dark skies and maybe never will. Light pollution is obscuring people’s long-standing natural heritage to view stars. The GLOBE at Night program (www.globeatnight.org) is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by encouraging everyone everywhere to measure local levels of night sky brightness and contribute observations online to a world map. In the last 5 years, GLOBE at Night has been the most productive public light pollution monitoring campaign, collecting over 52,000 observations in a two-week period annually. This year, during the moonless two weeks in March, the campaign set a record high of over 17,800 measurements from people in 86 countries. Foundational resources are available to facilitate the public’s participation in promoting dark skies awareness. The GLOBE at Night website explains clearly the simple-to-participate-in 5 step program and offers background information and interactive games on key concepts. The program has been expanded to include trainings of the general public, but especially educators in schools, museums and science centers, in unique ways. Education kits for dark skies awareness have been distributed at the training workshops. The kit includes material for a light shielding demonstration, a digital Sky Quality Meter and “Dark Skies Rangers” activities. The activities are on how unshielded light wastes energy, how light pollution affects wildlife and how you can participate in a citizen-science star-hunt like GLOBE at Night. In addition, projects are being developed for what to do with the data once it is taken. The GLOBE at Night data from different years can be compared to look for trends over time or with population density maps. The data can also be used to search for dark sky oases or to monitor lighting ordinance compliance. Most recently the data has been compared with telemetry of the Lesser Long-Nose Bat near Tucson, Arizona to examine whether or not the bats are preferentially staying in darker areas. The presentation will highlight the education and outreach value of the program’s resources and outcomes in communicating awareness with the public and attracting young people to study science.

Title:              Our Light or Starlight? Citizen Science, Public
Involvement and You
Authors:            Walker, Constance E.
Publication:        American Physical Society, Annual Meeting of the
Four Corners Section of the APS, October 15-16,
2010, abstract #J1.001
Publication Date:   10/2010
Origin:             APS
Bibliographic Code: 2010APS..4CF.J1001W


### Abstract

With half of the world's population now living in cities, many urban dwellers have never experienced the wonderment of pristinely dark skies and maybe never will. Light pollution is obscuring people's long-standing natural heritage to view stars. The GLOBE at Night program (www.globeatnight.org) is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by encouraging everyone everywhere to measure local levels of night sky brightness and contribute observations online to a world map. In the last 5 years, GLOBE at Night has been the most productive public light pollution monitoring campaign, collecting over 52,000 observations in a two-week period annually. This year, during the moonless two weeks in March, the campaign set a record high of over 17,800 measurements from people in 86 countries. Foundational resources are available to facilitate the public's participation in promoting dark skies awareness. The GLOBE at Night website explains clearly the simple-to-participate-in 5 step program and offers background information and interactive games on key concepts. The program has been expanded to include trainings of the general public, but especially educators in schools, museums and science centers, in unique ways. Education kits for dark skies awareness have been distributed at the training workshops. The kit includes material for a light shielding demonstration, a digital Sky Quality Meter and Dark Skies Rangers'' activities. The activities are on how unshielded light wastes energy, how light pollution affects wildlife and how you can participate in a citizen-science star-hunt like GLOBE at Night. In addition, projects are being developed for what to do with the data once it is taken. The GLOBE at Night data from different years can be compared to look for trends over time or with population density maps. The data can also be used to search for dark sky oases or to monitor lighting ordinance compliance. Most recently the data has been compared with telemetry of the Lesser Long-Nose Bat near Tucson, Arizona to examine whether or not the bats are preferentially staying in darker areas. The presentation will highlight the education and outreach value of the program's resources and outcomes in communicating awareness with the public and attracting young people to study science.

Title:              Involvement in and Sustainability of the Dark Skies
Awareness Programs for the International Year of
Astronomy
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Iya2009 Dark Skies Working Group
Publication:        Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to
the Future. Proceedings of a conference held
September 12-16, 2009 in Millbrae, California, USA.
Edited by Jonathan Barnes, Denise A. Smith, Michael
G. Gibbs, and James G. Manning., p.383
Publication Date:   08/2010
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2010ASPC..431..383W


### Abstract

"Dark Skies Awareness" was created as a cornerstone project of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 to raise public awareness of the impact of artificial lighting on local environments by getting people worldwide involved in a variety of programs. The poster provides an update, describes how people can participate, and takes a look ahead at the program's sustainability.

Title:              The Spectrum of Citizen Science Projects in
Astronomy and Space Science
Authors:            Méndez, B. J. H.; Day, B.; Gay, P. L.;
Jacoby, S. H.; Raddick, M. J.; Walker, C. E.;
Pompea, S. M.
Publication:        Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to
the Future. Proceedings of a conference held
September 12-16, 2009 in Millbrae, California, USA.
Edited by Jonathan Barnes, Denise A. Smith, Michael
G. Gibbs, and James G. Manning., p.324
Publication Date:   08/2010
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2010ASPC..431..324M


### Abstract

Citizen science projects are gaining in popularity and are seen by some as a paradigm shift that will benefit participants, extend scientific research, and improve public understanding of how science is done. All projects engage nonspecialists in observations, measurements, or classifications that further some aspect of scientific activity. In astronomy and space science, there is a range of involvement from passive to active, and differences in how necessary the citizen scientists are to the scientific goals of the project. Some projects are dealing with scientific questions that could not be investigated effectively and efficiently without the aid of large numbers of human volunteers. We will conduct a panel discussion of the lessons learned from several current citizen science projects in astronomy and space science. We will also engage session participants in round table discussions of future citizen science projects, especially in light of the large data sets becoming available online and access to educational telescopes.

Title:              Building on the International Year of Astronomy: The
Dark Skies Awareness Program
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Sparks, R. T.; Pompea, S. M.
Publication:        Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to
the Future. Proceedings of a conference held
September 12-16, 2009 in Millbrae, California, USA.
Edited by Jonathan Barnes, Denise A. Smith, Michael
G. Gibbs, and James G. Manning., p.103
Publication Date:   08/2010
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2010ASPC..431..103W


### Abstract

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) offered opportunities to create exemplary educational programs in astronomy, such as those through the cornerstone project, Dark Skies Awareness (DSA). The preservation of dark skies is important for many reasons including astronomy, energy conservation, wildlife conservation, and even human health. Light pollution is a growing concern, yet it is one of the easiest global environmental problems citizen scientists can address on a local level. The Dark Skies workshop imparted the skills necessary for participants to lead activities at their home institution for conserving dark skies. Workshop participants experienced the hands-on activities, which are suitable for use in a variety of settings including museums, science centers, planetariums, schools, university outreach efforts, and astronomy club events. Participants were immersed in activities that illustrate proper lighting, light pollution's effects on wildlife, and how to measure the darkness of your skies. Several citizen science projects were highlighted, including GLOBE at Night, the Great World Wide Star Count, and How Many Stars. These programs enlist the help of students and the general public to collect data on the night sky conditions in their community and contribute to a worldwide database on light pollution. The data can be analyzed using various online tools. A CD of activities, a light shielding demonstration, a book, a two DVD set with a planetarium show, and many other resources are included in a Dark Skies Education Kit, which workshop participants received at the close of the workshop.

Title:              International Year of Astronomy 2009 Cornerstone
Projects: What's Available for You
Authors:            Pompea, S. M.; Schweitzer, A.; Deustua, S.;
Isbell, D.; Fienberg, R. T.; Arion, D. N.;
Walker, C. E.; Gay, P. L.; Smith, D. A.;
Pantoja, C. A.; Watzke, M.; Arcand, K. K.
Publication:        Science Education and Outreach: Forging a Path to
the Future. Proceedings of a conference held
September 12-16, 2009 in Millbrae, California, USA.
Edited by Jonathan Barnes, Denise A. Smith, Michael
G. Gibbs, and James G. Manning., p.86
Publication Date:   08/2010
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2010ASPC..431...86P


### Abstract

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA) commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo's historic observations of the night sky. IYA is officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is being celebrated in 141 countries. The IYA2009 program established 12 Cornerstone Projects. The U.S. has played an important role in many of these programs. These national and global projects focus on a variety of topics vital to the success of IYA. This paper summarizes some progress from national and international organizers of the cornerstone projects.

Title:              Documenting Local Night Sky Brightness Using Sky
Quality Meters: An Interdisciplinary College
Capstone Project and a First Step Toward Reducing
Light Pollution
Authors:            Birriel, J.; Wheatley, J.; McMichael, C.
Affiliation:        AA(Morehead State University, KY), AB(Ashland, Inc.,
Publication:        The Journal of the American Association of Variable
Star Observers, vol. 38, no. 1, p. 132
Publication Date:   06/2010
Origin:             AAVSO
Abstract Copyright: (c)2010: The American Association of Variable Star
Observers
Bibliographic Code: 2010JAVSO..38..132B


### Abstract

The advent of inexpensive, hand-held light meters allows science students the opportunity to document night sky brightness in their local communities as a first step toward ultimately reducing local light pollution. We report our preliminary results of one college student's interdisciplinary capstone project documenting sky brightness in the local campus community. The student produced two maps of sky brightness readings in the Morehead, Kentucky, area using the Unihedron Sky Quality Meter (SQM) and the Unihedron Sky Quality Meter with Lens (SQM-L). Typical night sky brightness measurements within town ranged from suburban to city on the Bortle Scale of visual brightness. We end with a discussion of opportunities for future student contributions to this project.

Title:              Measuring and modelling light pollution at the
Zselic Starry Sky Park
Authors:            Kolláth, Zoltán
Publication:        Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 218,
Issue 1, id. 012001 (2010).
Publication Date:   03/2010
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1742-6596/218/1/012001
Bibliographic Code: 2010JPhCS.218a2001K


### Abstract

One of the first 'International Dark-sky Parks' in Europe was established at the Zselic Landscape Protection Area in Hungary. A special monitoring program has been carrying on to survey the quality of the night sky using 'Sky Quality Meters' and DSLR cameras. The main conclusion of our measurements is that the local villages have only a minimal effect on the quality of the sky. There are light-domes due to the neighbouring cities only close to the horizon, the main source of obtrusive light is the city of Kaposvár. The anthropogenic component of zenith luminance of the night sky is obtained as the function of the distance from the city centre of Kaposvár. Our data were modelled by radiation transfer calculations. These results can help to draw attention to the energy emitted useless to the space and to protect our nocturnal landscape of nature parks for the next generations.

Title:              The GLOBE at Night Campaign: Promoting Dark Skies
Awareness Beyond IYA2009
Authors:            Walker, Constance E.
Affiliation:        AA(NOAO)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #215,
id.379.05; Bulletin of the American Astronomical
Society, Vol. 42, p.589
Publication Date:   01/2010
Origin:             AAS
Bibliographic Code: 2010AAS...21537905W


### Abstract

One of the most productive programs in the IYA2009 Dark Skies Awareness Cornerstone Project has been GLOBE at Night. The GLOBE at Night program has endeavored to promote social awareness of the dark sky by getting the general public to measure light pollution and submit results on-line. During IYA2009 alone, over 15,700 measurements from 70 countries were contributed during the 2-week campaign period. That amount is twice the number of measurements on average from previous years. The GLOBE at Night website explains clearly the simple-to-participate-in 5 step program and offers background information and interactive games on key concepts. The program has been expanded to include trainings of the general public, but especially educators in schools, museums and science centers, in unique ways. Education kits for Dark Skies Awareness have been distributed at these training workshops. The kit includes material for a light shielding demonstration, a digital Sky Quality Meter and Dark Skies Ranger Activities. The activities are on how unshielded light wastes energy, how light pollution affects wildlife and how you can participate in a citizen-science star-hunt like GLOBE at Night. In addition, projects are being developed for what to do with the data once it is taken. There were particularly spirited and creative GLOBE at Night campaigns around the world in 2009. One such "poster child” was carried out by 6500 students in northern Indiana. The students produced 3,391 GLOBE at Night measurements. To visualize the magnitudes of dark sky lost to light pollution, these students removed over 12,000 of the 35,000 stacked LEGO blocks that represented an ideal night sky across the school district. The presentation will provide an update with lessons learned, describe how people can become involved and take a look ahead at the program's sustainability. For further information, visit www.globe.gov/globeatnight.

Title:              A novel camera type for very high energy gamma-ray
astronomy based on Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes
Authors:            Anderhub, H.; Backes, M.; Biland, A.;
Boller, A.; Braun, I.; Bretz, T.;
Commichau, S.; Commichau, V.; Dorner, D.;
Gendotti, A.; Grimm, O.; von Gunten, H.;
Hildebrand, D.; Horisberger, U.;
Krähenbühl, T.; Kranich, D.; Lorenz, E.;
Lustermann, W.; Mannheim, K.; Neise, D.;
Pauss, F.; Renker, D.; Rhode, W.; Rissi, M.;
Röser, U.; Rollke, S.; Stark, L. S.;
Stucki, J.-P.; Viertel, G.; Vogler, P.; Weitzel, Q.
Affiliation:        AA(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland), AB(TU
Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4, 44227
Dortmund, Germany), AC(Institute for Particle
Physics, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich,
Switzerland), AD(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH
Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AE(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AF(Universität Würzburg, Germany), AG(Institute for
Particle Physics, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093
Zurich, Switzerland), AH(Institute for Particle
Physics, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich,
Switzerland), AI(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH
Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
ISDC Data Center for Astrophysics, University of
Geneva, Chemin d'Ecogia 16, 1290 Versoix,
Switzerland), AJ(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH
Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AK(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AL(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AM(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AN(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AO(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AP(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AQ(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Max
Planck Institute for Physics, Föhringer Ring 6,
80805 Munich, Germany), AR(Institute for Particle
Physics, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich,
Switzerland), AS(Universität Würzburg, Germany),
AT(TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4, 44227
Dortmund, Germany), AU(Institute for Particle
Physics, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich,
Switzerland), AV(Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232
Villigen PSI, Switzerland), AW(TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4, 44227 Dortmund,
Germany), AX(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH
Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
AY(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland), AZ(TU
Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4, 44227
Dortmund, Germany), BA(Institute for Particle
Physics, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich,
Switzerland), BB(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH
Zurich, Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
BC(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
BD(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland),
BE(Institute for Particle Physics, ETH Zurich,
Schafmattstr. 20, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland)
Publication:        Journal of Instrumentation, Volume 10, Issue 10, pp.
010 (2009).
Publication Date:   10/2009
Origin:             IOP
DOI:                10.1088/1748-0221/4/10/P10010
Bibliographic Code: 2009JInst...410010A


### Abstract

Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (G-APD) are promising new sensors for light detection in atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. In this paper, the design and commissioning of a 36-pixel G-APD prototype camera is presented. The data acquisition is based on the Domino Ring Sampling (DRS2) chip. A sub-nanosecond time resolution has been achieved. Cosmic-ray induced air showers have been recorded using an imaging mirror setup, in a self-triggered mode. This is the first time that such measurements have been carried out with a complete G-APD camera.

Title:              Optics in Eastern Connecticut
Authors:            Magnani, Nancy; Donnelly, Judith
Affiliation:        AA(EASTCONN (United States)), AB(Three Rivers
Community College (United States))
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9666, id. 96660S 9
pp. (2009). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   06/2009
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9781628418859
DOI:                10.1117/12.2208028
Bibliographic Code: 2009SPIE.9666E..0SM


### Abstract

Through a partnership between EASTCONN, a regional educational service center, and Three Rivers Community College, both located in eastern Connecticut, students from 5th grade through college have been learning about optics and photonics. Using innovative approaches including hands-on workshops on selected topics in light, vision and optics/photonics, field trips to local photonics industries, and authentic learning opportunities at a college campus, students and their teachers are learning about light and optics with age-appropriate activities and are also being introduced to the potential career opportunities.

Title:              A New Major Observatory in Canada
Authors:            Roy, Frank P.
Publication:        Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada,
Vol. 103, No. 2, p.54
Publication Date:   04/2009
Origin:             JRASC
Bibliographic Code: 2009JRASC.103...54R


### Abstract

Not Available

Title:              Simple Night-Sky Measurements for GLOBE at Night''
in Chile with Sky-Quality Meters (SQMs) and
Illustrated with Digital Photography---A Prototype
for the IYA
Authors:            Smith, M. G.; Warner, M.; Orellana, D.;
Munizaga, D.; Sanhueza, P.; Bogglio, H.; Cartier, R.
Publication:        Preparing for the 2009 International Year of
Astronomy: A Hands-On Symposium ASP Conference
Series, Vol. 400, proceedings of the conference held
1-5 June, 2008, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in
Conjunction with the 212th Meeting of the American
Astronomical Society. Edited by Michael G. Gibbs,
Jonathan Barnes, James G. Manning, and Bruce
Partridge.  San Francisco: Astronomical Society of
the Pacific, 2008., p.152
Publication Date:   11/2008
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2008ASPC..400..152S


### Abstract

We report the status of, and plans for, simple estimates of the night-sky brightness on and around Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachón in Chile, using UniHedron SQMs, in the context of public outreach and education activity. This early, basic, test plan---carried out as part of the 2008 GLOBE at Night'' initiative---is to be extended for the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). Simple annual estimates of this nature, involving schools and the public, can aid in the protection of professional and amateur astronomy observatories anywhere. A preliminary trial grid of SQM estimates at 46 points in the region around Tololo and Pachón (by DO and DM) has recently been integrated (by MW) into graphic overlay models on Google Earth maps. This data was also submitted to GLOBE at Night, 2008.'' All these estimates in 2008 serve as a local trial for an international campaign to be run in 2009 for the International Year of Astronomy. The increase in zenith brightness as one moves from the dark sky over Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachón (21.7 mag) via CADIAS (20.7 mag) along a radius into the suburbs of La Serena (19.0 mag) is illustrated qualitatively with digital images of the sky looking towards and away from the La Serena/Coquimbo conurbation. We discuss some of the lessons learned for 2009.

Title:              Dark Skies from the Ground Up: Part 2. Programs to
Raise Awareness During the International Year of
Astronomy
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Bueter, C.; Crelin, G.;
Duriscoe, D.; Moore, C.; Heatherly, S. A.;
Maddalena, R.; Mann, T.; Patten, K.;
Pompea, S. M.; Sparks, R.; Schaaf, F.;
Simmons, M.; Smith, M.; Tafreshi, B.
Publication:        Preparing for the 2009 International Year of
Astronomy: A Hands-On Symposium ASP Conference
Series, Vol. 400, proceedings of the conference held
1-5 June, 2008, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in
Conjunction with the 212th Meeting of the American
Astronomical Society. Edited by Michael G. Gibbs,
Jonathan Barnes, James G. Manning, and Bruce
Partridge.  San Francisco: Astronomical Society of
the Pacific, 2008., p.116
Publication Date:   11/2008
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2008ASPC..400..116W


### Abstract

Six dark skies-related programs assembled for the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) are described here. Programs on dark skies awareness and preservation like GLOBE at Night, Dark Skies Discovery Sites, Quiet Skies, Astronomy Nights at the (National) Parks, a digital photography contest and the Good Neighbor Lighting program are presented.

Title:              Dark Skies from the Ground Up: Part 1. Resources to
Raise Awareness During the International Year of
Astronomy
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Berglund, K.; Bueter, C.;
Gauthier, A.; Gay, P. L.; Foster, T.;
Patten, K.; Pompea, S. M.; Sparks, R.; Smith, C.
Publication:        Preparing for the 2009 International Year of
Astronomy: A Hands-On Symposium ASP Conference
Series, Vol. 400, proceedings of the conference held
1-5 June, 2008, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, in
Conjunction with the 212th Meeting of the American
Astronomical Society. Edited by Michael G. Gibbs,
Jonathan Barnes, James G. Manning, and Bruce
Partridge.  San Francisco: Astronomical Society of
the Pacific, 2008., p.110
Publication Date:   11/2008
Origin:             ASP
Bibliographic Code: 2008ASPC..400..110W


### Abstract

Six dark skies-related resources created for the International Year of Astronomy are described here. Resources on dark skies awareness and preservation like an educational toolkit with shielding demonstrations, a planetarium show on DVD for small planetariums, online interactions (e.g., Second Life, MySpace and Facebook), traveling exhibits, a 6-minute video tutorial and podcasts are presented.

Title:              Meimaand, meteorenmaand: eta Aquariiden en eta
Lyriden vanuit Twente
Authors:            Van Leuteren, Peter
Publication:        eRadiant, Journal of the Dutch Meteor Society,
Volume 4, Issue 3, p.74-77
Publication Date:   09/2008
Origin:             AUTHOR


### Abstract

Report on visual observations of the eta Aquariids and eta Lyrids in 2008

Title:              The Exciting Star of the Berkeley 59/Cepheus OB4
Complex and Other Chance Variable Star Discoveries
Authors:            Majaess, D. J.; Turner, D. G.; Lane, D. J.;
Moncrieff, K. E.
Affiliation:        AA(Saint Mary's University, Halifax), AB(Saint
Mary's University, Halifax), AC(Saint Mary's
Halifax)
Publication:        The Journal of the American Association of Variable
Star Observers, vol. 36, no. 1, p. 90
Publication Date:   06/2008
Origin:             AAVSO
Bibliographic Code: 2008JAVSO..36...90M


### Abstract

A study is presented regarding the nature of several variable stars sampled during a campaign of photometric monitoring from the Abbey Ridge Observatory: three eclipsing binaries, two semiregulars, a luminous Be star, and a star of uncertain classification. For one of the eclipsing systems, BD+66°1673, spectroscopic observations reveal it to be an O5 V((f))n star and the probable ionizing star of the Berkeley 59/Cep OB4 complex. An analysis of spectroscopic observations and BV photometry for Berkeley 59 members in conjunction with published observations imply a cluster age of ~2 Myr, a distance of d = 883 ±43 pc, and a reddening of EB-V = 1.38 ±0.02. Two of the eclipsing systems are Algol-type, but one appears to be a cataclysmic variable associated with an X-ray source. ALS 10588, a B3 IVn star associated with the Cepheid SV Vul, is of uncertain classification, although consideration is given to it being a slowly pulsating B star. The environmental context of the variables is examined using spectroscopic parallax, 2MASS photometry, and proper motion data, the latter to evaluate the membership of the variable B2 Iabe star HDE 229059 in Berkeley 87, an open cluster that could offer a unique opportunity to constrain empirically the evolutionary lineage of young massive stars. Also presented are our null results for observations of a sample of northern stars listed as Cepheid candidates in the New Catalogue of Suspected Variable Stars (NSV, in Samus et al. 2004).

Title:              Dark Skies as a Universal Resource,
Citizen-Scientists, and the International Year of
Astronomy
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Pompea, S. M.; Sparks, R. T.;
Bueter, C.
Publication:        EPO and a Changing World: Creating Linkages and
Expanding Partnerships ASP Conference Series, Vol.
389, proceedings of the conference held 5-7
September 2007, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Edited by
Catharine Garmany, Michael G. Gibbs, and J. Ward
Moody.  San Francisco: Astronomical Society of the
Pacific, 2080., p.395
Publication Date:   06/2008
Origin:             ASPC
Bibliographic Code: 2008ASPC..389..395W


### Abstract

The ongoing loss of a dark night sky as a natural resource for much of the world's population is a growing, serious issue that not only impacts astronomical research, but also human health, ecology, safety, security, economics and energy conservation. This workshop was designed to train educators who will become local leaders in light pollution education. During the workshop, we provided the know-how'' and the means for workshop attendees to become participants or community leaders in promoting the GLOBE at Night 2008 program, toward a quantitative global effort in 2009 as one of the major US programs in the planned International Year of Astronomy.

Title:              Exploring Some Methods of Measuring Night Sky
Brightness Levels
Authors:            Craine, Erin M.; Culver, Roger B.;
Craine, Jennifer C.; Tucker, Roy A.
Publication:        The Society for Astronomical Sciences 27th Annual
Symposium on Telescope Science. Held May 20-22, 2008
Astronomical Sciences., p.157
Publication Date:   05/2008
Origin:             SAS
Bibliographic Code: 2008SASS...27..157C


### Abstract

Sky brightness has an important impact on data collected from digital images. It produces environmental effects important in terms of ecology, human health and overall enjoyment of the night sky. Sky brightness can be monitored by a variety of different techniques. Recent systematic sky surveys enable long term monitoring of sky brightness. Simple astronomical instruments can be adapted to dedicated use for sky brightness monitoring. There are even a variety of specialized instruments designed for the sole purpose of sky brightness measure-ment. We discuss elements of each of these approaches. We present some results of how to compare the data collected, and examine how the data correlate using different systems. Support has been provided by Colorado State University, the Global Network of Astronomical Telescopes, Inc., the International Dark-Sky Association and Western Research Company, Inc.

Title:              Simple Night-Sky Measurements for "Globe at Night"
in Chile with Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) and
Illustrated with Basic Photography - a Prototype for
the IYA/AMA.
Authors:            Smith, Malcolm G.; Orellana, D.; Sanhueza, P.;
Warner, M.; Bogglio, H.; Munizaga, D.; Cartier, R.
Affiliation:        AA(Cerro Tololo Inter-Amer. Obs., Chile), AB(CADIAS;
University of La Serena, Chile), AC(OPCC, Chile),
AD(Cerro Tololo Inter-Amer. Obs., Chile), AE(OPCC,
Chile), AF(CADIAS, Chile), AG(REU-CTIO & University
of Chile, Chile)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #212,
id.50.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical
Society, Vol. 40, p.245
Publication Date:   05/2008
Origin:             AAS
Bibliographic Code: 2008AAS...212.5001S


### Abstract

We report the status of, and plans for, simple measurement of the night-sky brightness on and around Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachon in Chile, using UniHedron SQMs, in the context of public education and outreach activity.

The increase in brightness as one moves from the dark sky over Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachon ( 21.7mag) via CADIAS ( 20.7mag) along a radius into the suburbs of La Serena ( 19.0mag) is illustrated with images of the sky looking towards and away from the La Serena/Coquimbo conurbation.

This basic test plan - carried out as part of the 2008 "Globe at Night" initiative - is to be extended for the IYA. Simple annual measurements of this nature, involving schools and the public, can aid in the protection of professional and amateur astronomy observatories anywhere.

A trial grid of SQM measurements in the region around Tololo and Pachon (by DO and DM) has recently been integrated (by MW) into graphic overlays on Google Earth maps. These data have also been submitted to "Globe at Night, 2008". All these measurements in 2008 serve as a trial for an even bigger, international, campaign run in 2009 for the International Year of Astronomy.

Title:              Wolken weg, Geminiden weg. Het Geminiden Maximum
vanuit Twente
Authors:            Van Leuteren, Peter
Publication:        eRadiant, Journal of the Dutch Meteor Society,
Volume 4, Issue 2, p.54-55
Publication Date:   03/2008
Origin:             AUTHOR


### Abstract

Report on visual observations of the Geminids 2007

Title:              Dark Skies as a Universal Resource: Citizen
Scientists Measuring Sky Brightness
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Isbell, D.; Pompea, S. M.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N.
Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
document.write(mkemail("cwalker","","noao","edu"));), AB(National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, USA document.write(mkemail("disbell","","noao","edu"));), AC(National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719, USA document.write(mkemail("spompea","","noao","edu"));)

Publication:        American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2007,
abstract #ED11D-02
Publication Date:   12/2007
Origin:             AGU
Keywords:           0800 EDUCATION, 0805 Elementary and secondary
education, 0815 Informal education, 1600 GLOBAL
CHANGE, 6600 PUBLIC ISSUES
Bibliographic Code: 2007AGUFMED11D..02W


### Abstract

The international star-hunting event known as GLOBE at Night returned March 8-21, 2007 in two flavors: the classic GLOBE at Night activity incorporating unaided-eye observations which debuted last year, and a new effort to obtain precise measurements of urban dark skies using digital sky-brightness meters. Both flavors of the program were designed to aid in heightening the awareness about the impact of artificial lighting on local environments, and the ongoing loss of a dark night sky as a natural resource for much of the world's population. To make possible the digital GLOBE at Night program, NSF funded 135 low-cost, digital sky-quality meter (manufactured by Unihedron). With these, citizen-scientists took direct measurements of the integrated sky brightness across a wide swath of night sky. Along with related materials developed by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), the meters were distributed to citizen-scientists in 21 U.S. states plus Washington DC, and in 5 other countries, including Chile, where NOAO has a major observatory. The citizen- scientists were selected from teachers, their students, astronomers at mountain-top observatories, International Dark-Sky Association members and staff from 19 small science centers. Most sites had a coordinator, who instructed local educators in the proper use of the meters and develop a plan to share them as widely as possible during the 2-week window. The local teams pooled their data for regional analysis and in some cases shared the results with their schools and local policymakers. Building upon the worldwide participation sparked by the first GLOBE at Night campaign in March 2006, the observations this year approached 8500 (from 60 countries), 85% higher than the number from last year. The success of GLOBE at Night 2007 is a major step toward the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, when one goal is to make the digital data collection into a worldwide activity. In this presentation, we will outline the set-up for the digital part of the program, the outcome and the plans for the future. GLOBE at Night has been a collaboration between NOAO, the GLOBE program, the IDA, CADIAS and Windows to the Universe. NOAO is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The digital GLOBE at Night program described was supported by a grant to NOAO by the NSF.

Title:              Optics education in the International Year of
Astronomy
Authors:            Walker, Constance E.; Sparks, Robert T.;
Pompea, Stephen M.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory (United
States)), AB(National Optical Astronomy Observatory
(United States)), AC(National Optical Astronomy
Observatory (United States))
Publication:        Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9665, id. 96650I 9
pp. (2007). (SPIE Homepage)
Publication Date:   06/2007
Origin:             SPIE
permitted for personal use only.
Comment:            ISBN: 9781628418842
DOI:                10.1117/12.2207493
Bibliographic Code: 2007SPIE.9665E..0IW


### Abstract

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA) will be celebrated in 2009 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first use of the telescope for astronomical observation. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) in Tucson, Arizona, USA, is participating in a variety of international education activities to build awareness of the role of astronomy and optics in our modern technological society. We will outline our education plans specifically related to optics for the International Year of Astronomy. These plans include outreach activities that appeal to professional museum and classroom educators as well as the general public.

Title:              Globe At Night 2007: Light Pollution Awareness and
the Citizen-Scientist
Authors:            Walker, Constance E.; Isbell, D.; Pompea, S. M.
Affiliation:        AA(NOAO), AB(NOAO), AC(NOAO)
Publication:        American Astronomical Society Meeting 210, id.05.04;
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol.
39, p.100
Publication Date:   05/2007
Origin:             AAS
Bibliographic Code: 2007AAS...210.0504W


### Abstract

The GLOBE at Night 2007 program has been built upon the success of the inaugural campaign in March 2006 when 4600 observations were submitted by citizen-scientists from 96 countries. Participation this year is up by 50 percent.

The international star-hunting event known as GLOBE at Night returned March 8-21, 2007 in two flavors: the classic GLOBE at Night activity incorporating unaided-eye observations toward Orion, and a new effort to obtain precise measurements of urban dark skies toward zenith using digital sky-brightness meters. Both flavors of the program were designed to heighten the awareness about the impact of artificial lighting on local environments, and the ongoing loss of a dark night sky as a natural resource for much of the world population.

To make possible the digital GLOBE at Night program, the NSF funded 135 low-cost, digital sky-quality meters (manufactured by Unihedron). Along with related materials developed by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), the meters were distributed to citizen-scientists in 21 U.S. states plus Washington DC, and in 5 other countries, including Chile, where NOAO has a major observatory. The citizen-scientists were selected from teachers, their students, astronomers at observatories, International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) members and staff from 19 science centers. For each meter, citizen-scientists were asked to make 30 measurements from different locations in their region. The data is being pooled for regional analysis.

The success of GLOBE at Night 2007 is a major step toward the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, when one goal is to make the digital data collection into a worldwide activity. In this presentation, we will outline the set-up for the digital part of the program, the outcome and the plans for the future.

GLOBE at Night is a collaboration between NOAO, the GLOBE Program, CADIAS, Windows to the Universe, ESRI and IDA.

Title:              The Citizen-Scientist as Data Collector: GLOBE at
Night, Part 2
Authors:            Walker, C. E.; Pompea, S. M.; Ward, D.;
Henderson, S.; Meymaris, K.; Gallagher, S.;
Salisbury, D.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N.
Cherry St, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
document.write(mkemail("cwalker","","noao","edu"));), AB(National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 N. Cherry St, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA document.write(mkemail("spompea","","noao","edu"));), AC(UCAR, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA document.write(mkemail("dward","","ucar","edu"));), AD(UCAR, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA document.write(mkemail("sandrah","","ucar","edu"));), AE(UCAR, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA document.write(mkemail("kirstenm","","ucar","edu"));), AF(UCAR, PO Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA document.write(mkemail("sgallagh","","ucar","edu"));), AG(CSU, PO BOX 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA document.write(mkemail("salisbury","","globe","gov"));)

Publication:        American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006,
abstract #ED43E-0965
Publication Date:   12/2006
Origin:             AGU
Keywords:           0820 Curriculum and laboratory design, 0825 Teaching
methods, 0830 Teacher training, 0845 Instructional
tools, 0855 Diversity
Bibliographic Code: 2006AGUFMED43E0965W


### Abstract

An innovative program to realize light pollution education on two continents via Internet 2-based videoconferencing was begun 4 years ago by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Bilingual science teachers and their students in Arizona and Chile recorded the brightness of the night sky by matching its appearance toward the constellation Orion with one of 6 stellar maps of limiting magnitude. Students from both hemispheres would report their findings via videoconferences. In the last year the program has evolved in collaboration with UCAR and other partners into an international, user-friendly, web-based science event open to anyone in the world, known as GLOBE at Night. GLOBE at Night uses the same design to observe and record the visible stars toward Orion, as a means of measuring light pollution in a given location. The inaugural event occurred over 11 nights last March, when 18,000 citizen- scientists made over 4,500 observations from 96 countries. Analysis of the GLOBE at Night data set found that the brighter skies corresponded to areas with higher population density, and that most observations were taken in a location with some light pollution. The data also tended to confirm that satellite data is reliable in assessing light pollution. This session will describe our program to incorporate more technology into the GLOBE at Night program. Citizen-scientists will use sky quality meters (visible light photometers), calibrated digital photography, and GPS as a means to measure and map more accurately the brightness of the sky at selected urban and rural sites. This extension of the program is designed to aid further in teaching about the impact of artificial lighting on local environments and the ongoing loss of a dark night sky as a natural resource. We will also describe how detailed maps of selected urban areas can be used to assess lighting design, safety considerations and energy usage. Given the widespread interest in the inaugural GLOBE at Night event, the GLOBE at Night team is eager to offer it again from March 8-21, 2007. For more information, see www.globe.gov/GaN or contact globeatnight@globe.gov or outreach@noao.edu. GLOBE at Night is a collaboration between The GLOBE Program, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), Centro de Apoyo a la Didactica de la Astronomia (CADIAS), Windows to the Universe, and Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI). NOAO is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc. under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.

Title:              Citizen-Scientists Monitor Light Pollution Worldwide
via "GLOBE at Night"
Authors:            Walker, Constance E.; Pompea, S. M.;
Isbell, D.; Orellana, D.; Ward, D.;
Henderson, S.; Meymaris, K.; Gallagher, S.;
Salisbury, D.
Affiliation:        AA(National Optical Astronomy Observatory),
AB(National Optical Astronomy Observatory),
AC(National Optical Astronomy Observatory),
AD(Centro de Apoyo a la Didáctica de la Astronomía
AH(UCAR), AI(CSU)
Publication:        2007 AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting, American Astronomical
Society Meeting 209, id.71.09; Bulletin of the
American Astronomical Society, Vol. 38, p.982
Publication Date:   12/2006
Origin:             AAS
Bibliographic Code: 2006AAS...209.7109W


### Abstract

More than 18,000 citizen-scientists in 96 countries submitted almost 4,600 observations of the darkness of their local night skies during the 10-day “GLOBE at Night” event at the end of March 2006. The GLOBE at Night program was designed to help students, families, and the general public observe and record how the constellation Orion looked from different locations, as a means of measuring the brightness of the sky at a variety of urban and rural sites. The program was conducted to aid teaching about the impact of artificial lighting on local environments, and the ongoing loss of a dark night sky as a natural resource for the world’s population. Observers reported their results online by comparing the number of stars seen toward Orion with a set of template images on the program’s Web site. These images showed the number of stars in the constellation for a range of visibilities from bright skies to very dark.

This session will describe the analysis from last year and our plans for this year to incorporate more technology into the GLOBE at Night program. Citizen-scientists will use sky quality meters (visible light photometers), calibrated digital photography, and GPS as a means to measure and map more accurately the brightness of the sky at selected urban and rural sites.

Given the widespread interest in the inaugural GLOBE at Night event, the GLOBE at Night team is eager to offer it again from March 8-21, 2007. For more information, see www.globe.gov/GaN or contact <u>globeatnight@globe.gov</u>.

Title:              Box: The Sky Quality Meter
Authors:            Flanders, Tony
Publication:        Sky & Telescope, Vol. 111, no. 2, p. 104
(S&T Homepage)
Publication Date:   02/2006
Origin:             WEB
Bibliographic Code: 2006S&T...111b.104F


### Abstract

Not Available

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