Alumni and guests are invited to our second meeting of 2023, for an address by Bob Mizon followed by lunch at Chianti Restaurant.

Bob Mizon is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and National Co-ordinator for the Commission for Dark Skies.  He was awarded the MBE in 2010 for his work on astronomy education. Bob will be talking about the wonders of the night sky, and about the value of the heritage above – a heritage now being eroded by light pollution. Astronomers have been concerned for some time that burgeoning use of powerful or misdirected lights makes seeing the stars increasingly difficult. Over the years, fewer and fewer people have been able to enjoy the sight of the Milky Way anywhere near an urban area. Not only does this have a negative impact on the hobby, but wastes valuable energy and has been shown to have a detrimental influence on nocturnal wildlife. 

Bob was instrumental in setting up the British Astronomical Society’s Commission for Dark Skies, working closely with politicians. The CfDS works with local authorities to direct outside lights (eg street lamps, floodlights at sports venues) for minimum pollution into the sky, has a message for us all in how we use our own domestic lighting (eg security lamps), and has set up a number of Dark Sky Reserves in country areas, eg Cranborne Chase. Of course we need to feel safe and secure, but many security lights are badly directed and counter-productive, and our wildlife is suffering from the lack of darkness. Bob’s talk will help us all to enjoy the stars more, save energy and money, contribute to lessening Climate Change and help to preserve our biodiversity. 

If we solve this problem other benefits will follow. It is far more than just astronomers pointing telescopes into the sky!