We choose our observing sites by the amount of light pollution in the area. Too many stray photons ruin an otherwise good site. We wish people were more aware of the ways to curb light pollution. The basic idea is to shine light down where it is needed and not off to the side where it is wasted, causes glare, and makes it even harder to see. Have you ever tried to look towards a light that's shining in your eyes? You just can't see as well. With good lighting we improve visibility, safety, minimize energy waste and have a much more comfortable nighttime environment.

Both Asheville and Weaverville passed lighting ordinances in spring of 2002. The two ordinances seem to be identical except for one important issue. Whereas Weaverville saw fit to include a section limiting the AMOUNT of light thrown down on parking lots, Asheville left out this section, with only an "efficacy" (overall efficienfy) limit specified for most parking lots. An exception to this is gas stations, where both cities limit the amount of light allowed.

In addition, the Asheville Sign Ordinance states that "any light used for illumination shall be shielded so that the beams or rays of lights will not shine into surrounding areas or on the public roadway".

The 7,300-member International Dark Sky Association (www.darksky.org) is a good source for more information. This non-profit organization was incorporated in 1988 to stop "the adverse environmental impact on dark skies by building awareness of the problem of light pollution and of the solutions, and to educate everyone about the value and effectiveness of quality nighttime lighting."

N.C. Chapter: http://www.ibiblio.org/ncida/index.html