Hi everybody

Here's the latest article from the Astronomy site at BellaOnline.com.

Light Pollution
Light pollution isn't just a problem for astronomers. It means the loss of an amenity for all of us now and the generations that follow. It affects the natural world, can ruin our health, wastes resources, and what's more, we're paying for it!

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art180721.asp

Reports that I used for the article are available online if you want to know more.

(1) Deda, Elbertzhagen & Klussmann, Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP-CMS), “ Light Pollution and the Impacts on Biodiversity, Spaces and Their Habitats” http://www.starlight2007.net/pdf/proceedings/P_Deda.pdf

(2) Gallaway, Olsen & Mitchell, “The Economics of Global Light Pollution” http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/econ/world_light_pollution.pdf

(3) The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, “Artificial Light in the Environment”
http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/other/9780108508547/9780108508547.pdf

*Anniversary of the Big Eye dedication*

This week, June 3, 2013, was the 65th anniversary of the dedication of the 200-inch Hale telescope at Mt Palomar in California. It was nicknamed "the Big Eye", but formally named for the solar astronomer whose vision created it, George Ellery Hale. Hale never saw it to completion as he died a decade before its dedication.

You can read more about Palomar Observatory which stands a mile above the California desert. Its 200-inch mirror was officially impossible to make, but George Ellery Hale's vision inspired a nation in the grip of the Great Depression and it became the jewel in the crown of astronomy for the second half of the twentieth century. http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art178826.asp

For a variety of astronomy images, follow me on Pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/astrobella/

To participate in online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Astronomy located here - http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=323

Please visit astronomy.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Astronomy.

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I welcome your feedback!

Do pass this message along to family and friends who might also be interested. Remember it's free and without obligation.

I wish you clear skies.

Mona Evans, Astronomy Editor
http://astronomy.bellaonline.com

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