Scientist to survey light pollution map

Professor Zeki Aslan, who initiated studies focusing on light pollution in Turkey, said that light pollution is a global problem.

Scientist to survey light pollution map
He said, "When you look at the sky at night, you see a bright dome of light instead of the vault of a heaven full of stars. This is light pollution and it leads to a great energy loss." He claimed the electric energy that is lost because of light pollution is the concern of every citizen. As the excessive use of light endangers the environment as well as astronomical studies, he said light pollution is a global issue: "All developed countries are trying to prevent light pollution." 

In order to provide people, especially children, a chance to discover the sky, "dark sky park" projects have been initiated in cities where light pollution is heavy. "Dark sky parks are established to enable people to gaze at the starry sky, discover the sky as well as photograph it away from the city lights," Aslan said. These parks will soon offer their services to people who are interested in astronomy as well as students. 

Aslan said they will map Turkey's light pollution zones: "Right now, our priority is to survey light pollution in Turkey. There are attempts to establish new laws to prevent light pollution." Recently, the province of Bursa has been examined regarding light pollution, and the results point out that there is heavy light pollution in Bursa similar to other big cities in Turkey. It was also announced that two dark sky parks are planned to be built in Bursa. Studies on Kendir plateau located in the villages of Keles and Tırnova in the Mustafakemalpaşa district are currently taking place for the construction of the parks. 

Light pollution is the use of light at the wrong place and time as well as in the wrong direction and amount. As air pollution contaminates the air, light pollution disturbs illumination. Using an unnecessary amount of artificial light leads to ineffective illumination, which leads to energy loss.

Daily Sabah
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