tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31006871.post7493142908129944404..comments2009-09-06T16:58:10.534+02:00Duncan Drennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18356141566912975917noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31006871.post-20624635819919501582009-05-16T08:40:00.000+02:002009-05-16T08:40:00.000+02:00I've been to Jeffery's Bay, and can vouch for the quality of the skies in Southern Africa. However the expansion of external lighting is having a very damaging effect on the environment and human health, comparable to those of DDT and Asbestos. True, exterior lighting can be beneficial, but it should only be used sparingly, on a needs must basis, where needed, when needed, and in the correct amounts. What is also needed is zoning, with neighbourhoods divided into urban, suburban (residential) and rural. All night lighting in city centres is OK provided it is 45 degree full cut-off. In residential areas it should be subject to an 11p.m. till dawn curfew in order to allow the environment to recover. It is not acceptable at all in rural areas. All commercial and residential security lighting should be motion operated, hooded and aimed downwards. With new LED technology, even street lighting can be motion operated so the lights don't remain on all the time. They just remain on sufficiently long for the person to reach the next light. Motion operated bollard lighting may be more appropriate in residential areas as it is less intrusive. Commercial premises not functional at night should have all their lighting switched off. Once these standards and regulations have been implemented, light pollution should be less of a problem and the environment should benefit substantially.<br />Colin HenshawColin Henshawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10192041176312591653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31006871.post-56092221794651959042009-03-26T15:02:00.000+02:002009-03-26T15:02:00.000+02:00Nicely put! I often look up at the Cape Town sky wistfully, hoping to see more than the brightest of the stars... the only time I see them these days is when I make a trip out of the city to somewhere like the West Coast - and I'm always startled when I see the Milky Way. <BR/><BR/>Here's to reclaiming the night sky and reconnecting with the things that really matter.piahttp://www.mothercityliving.co.za/noreply@blogger.com