Responsible Light Usage Policy

 

All light sources, including laser pointers, should be used responsibly.  Safety and distraction concerns should

be considered when using lights where dark sky viewing is in progress.  The International Dark Sky Association

provides good reference for lighting methods that minimize distractions and promote safety at night. 

Several internet sites also provide good suggestions for safe and non-invasive use of laser pointers. 

An excellent website is "LaserPointerSafety.com - A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use"

that provides many good recommendations for appropriate laser pointer usage.  The NMR-DSO appreciates

these concerns and has adopted  the NMR-DSO Responsible Light Usage Policy, which is stated below.

 

NMR-DSO Responsible Light Usage Policy

 

We want all those who are invited to view the stars at NMR-DSO to enjoy viewing the heavens and learning

the locations of constellations and celestial objects.  We ask that all light sources be used responsibly to help

individuals with dark adapted eyes feel comfortable.  The main field at NMR-DSO is used for introductory

and basic astronomy which often includes the use of low power (<5mw) green laser pointers to help identify

objects of interest to our guests.  Some have expressed safety and distraction concerns with the use of laser

pointers for astronomy activities.  To address those issues, NMR-DSO has the following policy:

 

1. To prevent hazards to passing vehicles or aircraft

a.  Do not shine lasers near airports (NMR-DSO is 15 miles from the nearest airport at Barnwell), at  

     airplanes, or other vehicles.

b.  Do not shine any lights within 20^o of identified aircraft or vehicles.

c.  It is the duty of guests concerned about light hazards to identify and warn light users when there is a

     possibility of light hazard to an aircraft or vehicle.

 

2. To prevent hazards to persons

      a.  Do not shine car lights or other white lights on areas where people are gathered for sky viewing.

      b.  Use low intensity red lights for pedestrian safety, for referencing printed material, or as a visual aid.

      c.  Do not shine laser pointers at people.

      d.  Do not allow children to use laser pointers.

      e.  Any person who thinks that they might be distracted or harmed by light sources should be aware

that laser pointers may be in use, and turn away or stand out of the way.  They are free to go

to an area where they feel comfortable.

f.   NMR-DSO has a back field that is away from light sources or shielded from hazards of personal

exposure to light sources. That area is set aside for such use.

 

3.  To prevent hazards from light intensity

      a.  Light sources should be only as strong as needed for the intended purpose.

      b.  Use green lasers of lower intensity (<5mw)

      c.  Those who prefer to not use green laser pointers may use laser pointers with a less eye sensitive   

           wavelength such as blue or violet.

 

4. To prevent disturbance to astrophotography

      a.  If a short photographic exposure is desired, notify other sky viewers when you are ready to make the

           exposure so they may wait until the picture is taken before continuing object identification. 

b.  If long or numerous astrophotography exposures are desired, feel free to use the NMR-DSO back

     field that is shielded from light sources and is set aside for photography.

c.  Persons may make requests for astrophotography sessions at NMR-DSO on nights when no laser

     usage is planned.