Darkness News
FCC Launches Space Bureau
April 17, 2023 - - Space News
The Federal Communications Commission has announced its plans to spin off a section of its International Bureau to regulate low-earth orbit satellites. In addition to improving approval times, changing broadcast spectrum sharing requirements, and working with international agencies to manage devices the new department will make safe de-orbiting a requirement for every device after 5 years of operation.
Read MoreCleveland is a Bird-Strike Hot Spot
April 14, 2023 - Axios
Cleveland, Ohio is estimated to host 5,000 bird strike related death per year — compared with Columbus’ 500 — Local volunteers are working to recruit more members for their Light Out initiative.
Read MoreMountain Village, CO Alters Lighting Requirements
April 13, 2023 - Telluride Daily Planet
Town Councillors have altered the Community Development Code section on lighting regulations such that residences and businesses will not be obliged to retrofit for dark sky requirement if the cost of a exterior project in under $500,000. Roof repairs and replacements were already exempt from the rules. Prior to this change any outside project over $50,000 would force a lighting redesign.
Read MoreCircadian Rhythms Linked with Headaches
April 13, 2023 - Neurology
Neurologists in Texas have found that cluster headaches and migraines are linked with circadian rhythms within the hypothalamus. Both were associated with low melatonin counts and night time peaks.
Read MoreLED Street Lighting Does Not Affect Melatonin Levels
April 11, 2023 - Clocks & Sleep
A new study from Virginia Tech has determined that salivary melatonin levels of road-users, residents, and those seated next to the road did not change between 3 different lighting options; none, LED, and high pressure sodium lamps. While previous studies used lab setting, VTTI was able to use their more naturalistic simulated highway.
Read MoreXichong is China’s First Dark Sky Community
April 10, 2023 - IDA
10.9 square kilometers on the southern coast of China have been designated a Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. The region also hosts the The Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory and the Greater Bay Dark Sky Astronomical Science Festival each January.
Read MoreIAU Surveys World on Dark Sky Efforts
April 6, 2023 - IAU Outreach
The Dark and Quiet Skies Global Outreach Project from the International Astronomers Union is asking the public to provide information about the state of night restoration and preservation around the world. Participants are asked to fill out what they know about such projects in their home regions.
Read MoreSign the Petition to Support Sky Quality as SDG18
April 5, 2023 - ODS18.org
BPW Spain and the Starlight Foundation have launched an online petition to make sky quality and access to starlight a part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Read MoreLight at Night is Bad for Fall Armyworms
April 4, 2023 - Agronomy
Agricultural scientists in Guangzhou have determined that light at night reduces the survival rate of pupal-stage spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworms), as well as the reproduction rate of adult-stage moths. This was recommended as a pest management strategy for farmers, but does hold true to trends of lighting harming insect populations overall.
Read MoreHow to Celebrate Dark Sky Week
March 31, 2023 - SEA Today
SEA Today has published a guide to the various activities anyone can engage in with during the week of April 15th. These range from citizen science projects to advocacy activities to nature walks.
Read MoreHawnby, North Yorkshire to Switch to Dark Sky Lighting
March 30, 2023 - BBC Yorkshire
100 lights across 30 properties will be switched over to dark sky-friendly lighting. These project is done in partnership with the North York Moors Dark Sky Reserve.
Read MoreFort Davis, Texas is 7% Darker
March 29, 2023 - NewsWest9
The west Texas city council, in partnership with the McDonald Observatory, is working toward being completely dark sky friendly by 2026. This move was inspired by the city of Alpine’s similar partnership two years ago.
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