Conferencia: "Light pollution: A problem of the atmospheric aerosol, especially in astronomy, but of general concern in biology and health"

Fecha: Viernes 6 de Junio de 2014
Lugar: Sala de conferencias del Centro Andaluz de Medio Ambiente (Avda. del Mediterraneo s/n)
Horario: 13:00 horas
Descripción: Charla impartida por el Profesor Helmuth Horvath de la Universidad de Viena.
Abstract: Sunlight is scattered by molecules and particles, causing the blue sky or the optical appearance of haze. During the night, light originating from the moon or artificial illumination is scattered which causes a slight brightening of the sky. This is the reason for seeing less stars.
The radiance caused by the scattering of light by natural or artificial light sources depends on the illumination, the extinction coefficient, single scattering albedo and phase function of the aerosol and the spatial distribution of light and aerosol. The radiance is not altered by a telescope, thus even a very large telescope produces the same radiance of the scattered sky light. Since the image of distant stars is diffraction limited, the image of a star is on one element of the photo sensor. Thus the flux of starlight in the photosensor increases with the size of the telescope. Therefore larger telescopes permit the observation of smaller stars.
From the point of view of astronomy it would be desirable to have as little artificial illuminations as possible. Since evolution is slow, none of the creatures has already adapted to artificial illumination at night. Therefore significant changes in behavior of plants and animals has occurred, usually it is disadvantageous: To early breeding, too late foraging, too late preparation for winter, missing of the water needed for life, are some consequences.
The human circadian cycle is regulated by light during the day, and the darkness at night. The sleep hormone melatonin is synthesized in the dark. Disturbance of this rhythm leads redction of performance, mood disorder, depressions, diabetes 2, obesity, metabolic dosoreder and on the long run to breast cancer, prostate cancer and possibly child leukemia. Therefore blue light or white appearing light with a large fraction of violet should be avoided by all means at night.
Slovenia has adapted a comprehensive light pollution law, which considers the possible damages listed above. Despite the restrictions, an adaptation has been possible without large problems.
Organiza: Centro Andaluz de Medio Ambiente
Más información: cazorla@ugr.es

Conferencia: «Light pollution: A problem of the atmospheric aerosol, especially in astronomy, but of general concern in biology and health»

06 junio 2014 | 11:00 - 12:00 h

Actividades culturales y de divulgación
Conferencias, seminarios, divulgación científica

Fechas y horarios

Conferencia: «Light pollution: A problem of the atmospheric aerosol, especially in astronomy, but of general concern in biology and health»

06 junio 2014 | 11:00 - 12:00 h

Actividades culturales y de divulgaciónConferencias, seminarios, divulgación científica

Fechas y horarios

Actividades culturales y de divulgación
Conferencias, seminarios, divulgación científica