Peter Gutsche

Did you know that the experience of the starry sky is being lost to more and more people? An ode to the night sky and an introduction to the topic of #lightpollution with many references. Using my own landscape photos, I illustrate the impact of artificial light at night.

Among other things, inspired by following @JohnBarentine and @sundogplanets. Thank you!

The article:
https://www.silberspur.de/articles/why-it-wont-be-dark-at-night-anymore-soon.pdf

#DarkSkies #DarkSkiesForAll #Conservation #alan #KesslerSyndrome #SpaceX #SpacePollution

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Jun 17, 2024 at 4:17pmWeb
Show threadPeter GutscheJun 17, 2024

A brief summary of the article, which is aimed at people interested in #astronomy and #landscapephotography at #night, among others.
Initially, I explain why the night sky is dark (Olbers' paradox). Then, I illustrate with several examples the significance of the starry sky for human and animal navigation abilities.

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Show threadPeter GutscheJun 17, 2024

Using some of my own landscape photographs from Germany and France, I demonstrate the impact of artificial light at night, showing how city lights disturb views of the night sky over long distances.

Since photography is also addressed, I provide examples of how this undesirable phenomenon of light pollution can have its own appeal and be creatively used in nocturnal landscape photography. Sounds strange, I know.

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Show threadPeter GutscheJun 17, 2024

Next, I discuss the influence of aircraft and satellites, firstly on astronomical observations and nocturnal landscape photography. However, the increasing "pollution" of low Earth orbit by satellites has more serious implications.

I address the so-called #KesslerSyndrome: a scenario in which satellite collisions and space debris in low Earth orbit trigger a chain reaction, exponentially increasing debris and significantly endangering future space missions.

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Show threadPeter GutscheJun 17, 2024

In another section, I present some effects of artificial light at night on human and animal health, using examples from a vast body of literature on this topic.

Finally, I show some initiatives aimed at combating increasing light pollution. As an example, I highlight "light protection areas": regions where measures are taken to minimize #lightpollution and preserve the natural night sky.

5/5

Show threadDr. John Barentine FRASJun 17, 2024
@silberspur @sundogplanets Thanks very much for sharing this, Peter. Your photos are very compelling, as is the personal narrative that accompanies them.
Show threadPeter GutscheJun 17, 2024
@JohnBarentine @sundogplanets thank you a lot for sharing your feedback!
Show threadProf. Sam LawlerJun 17, 2024
@silberspur @JohnBarentine This is lovely! Thank you for putting it together! @skyglowberlin might also like to see this
Show threadPeter GutscheJun 17, 2024
@sundogplanets @JohnBarentine @skyglowberlin thank you! I am always curious reading news from you.
Show threadDaniel Scher 📷 has movedJun 20, 2024
@silberspur An instructive read. I'm glad I bookmarked it until I have time to read it. Well researched and documented, your photos are a very nice complement to the text 👍
Show threadPeter GutscheJun 20, 2024
@danielscher thanks a lot, Daniel, for your feedback! I appreciate this a lot. 🙏