Sustainability in astronomy: Preserving dark and quiet skies

Catalog description

Have you seen the Milky Way with your own eyes? What used to be an everyday occurrence is now something you can do only if you purposely travel to a dark site or live in one of the very few remaining locations in the world where the Milky Way is visible. In this course, you will explore what has changed in recent decades to make the Milky Way and every object in the sky less easily visible. This course is a general education natural sciences (GN) course that focuses on the key sustainability issue in astronomy: light pollution. The course will explore the impacts of the growth of artificial lights on access to the night sky for enjoyment as well as for research in astronomy. Students will also consider how other artificial sources of light, including electronics that transmit radio signals and satellites that reflect sunlight are impacting our skies. The course will also examine the impacts of artificial light on public safety, human health, and ecosystems. Students will critically examine the issues and some proposed solutions promoted by advocacy organizations and legislators. Through analysis of readings and discussions, students will gain skill in reflective writing and in the design of an action plan for improving the lighting in their communities.