Light pollution

Man made light affects - on the stars and society

Bareket observatory IDA status report 2007.

Dark skies activities in Israel

Light pollution steals the stars light.

Starlight is our natural heritage. It connects us, fuses us, to all our ancestors and their dark and crystal night sky.

We human beings lose something of ourselves when we can no longer look up and see our place in the universe. In Israel the light pollution has even bigger affects, as the Hebrew religion and traditions are directly related to the Moon and stars. The Jewish calendar for instance; is based on the movement of the sun (annual) and moon (monthly) and the end of the Sabbath is determined by the time when one can see 3 different stars at the sky.

The observatory's team is working recklessness in order to arises the light pollution affects in the Israeli community.

We are developing lesson plans, brochures and lectures on this topic.

About us:

The Bareket Observatory is located in Israel.  We are an educational observatory; our mission is to act as an educator’s resource for schools and educational institutions. 

The observatory's staff presents lectures on an ongoing basis to a large number of organizations in Israel; organizations such as the IDF, JDC-Israel, Air force, schools, science centers and the ECI.

Our staff is involved in conducting research projects that are also available On-line for students and researchers; such as NEO's-Asteroids, SN, radio astronomy, spectroscopy and remote telescope control via the web (more about this topic will appear at the following part of the document).

 The observatory is open to anyone who has an interest in the night sky and wishes to have fun learning about the universe in a scientific manner.

The Bareket observatory is the largest research – educational observatory in Israel.  We are also connected to a Varity of international astronomical and educational organizations.

 We maintain many astronomy courses and classes within the educational system as an integral part of the observatory's activities.  Our main objective is to light that "intuitive spark" by presenting the heavens in all its glory to those students that represent the next generation of researchers. 

 We are committed to introduce the universe for every one, no matter where they live or from where they come. From time to time we produce live free astronomical web casts of selected cosmological events, as solar eclipses, meteor showers the lunar surface, transits etc.

 Besides the regular activities that are taking place at the observatory, we also set up public observation in remote areas for schools and individuals that don't have the ability of going to an observatory.  Once a year we make the Astronomical Olympics for schools.

Our main goals:

        Develop new methods of communication.

        Develop new techniques to improve multicultural cooperation.

        Promote and distribute the latest technological advances within the educational system

 at that the use ofAdapt the use of new astronomical, technological and scientific tools to enhance the learning experience.

        Enable all students with equal opportunity to benefit from all of the advances in our research program.

The observatory operates for educational and scientific purposes and is developing the most unique and sophisticated educative and teaching astronomical materials in the region.

* What was accomplished so far in 2007?

IDF reprogrammed the entire automatic security light systems :

The IDF (Israel deafens forces) agreed to take a part at our IDA work - as well.
The IDF put out a special command so all the security projectors (mostly computerized) shall not be directed towards the skies or above the horizon line.
All the light security stations have been already modified and even reprogrammed if necessary (!). A special care was made in order to assure that the new systems will be even more dark sky friendly with special light shades and computerized systems.
As far as we aware of - the IDF approach is unique, and maybe even the first of its kind.

We currently in contact with the IDF highest commanders in order to make even a bigger awareness on this topic.

At Modiin city – new LPS lamps for a significant LPS reduction :

We already succeed to replace the roads and street lamps in our area and at Modiin city, the biggest city near the observatory. A special care has been taken so that the new lamps will follow the IDA standards.

At the moment we are heading to make the nearest city - Modiin into the first dark sky city in Israel.

At Modiin city – new street light shades :

At this very moment dozens of "old" street light shades are being replaced into new and improved ones that will direct the light cone in a much more efficient manner into the ground.

We hope that this tendency will continue and many more light shades will be replaced in the near future.

A special thank you for Alex, from the Modiin's municipally who cherish the importance of the fight in light pollution and our efforts.

We couldn't do this work without him!

At Mizpe Ramon city – new approaches for light pollution :

Mizpe Ramon lays near the Tel-Aviv university Wise observatory. The near city has a bigger and bigger amount of light pollution as time goes by, which have a big influence on the scientifically work done at the observatory.

A new project was started a few months ago that deals with the LPS by educating the local community, in order to get a full and honest cooperation. At the second stage we try to get strategic and economical solutions for the topic.

At Be-er seva city – new light pollution thinking and planning :

Mr. Jonathan Alexis has started to collaborate with the municipally bodies that charged on the light structures at the city.

First promise conversations have been made with the city's chairman, which showed signs of a good will toward the project.

A test will be made in the following months, where a new street will be build with a preplanned light pollution friendly environment.

We wish you all clear and dark skies!

Bareket observatory team.