First Contact Response Protocol for 3I/ATLAS
I recently started seeing media posts about 31/ATLAS, and the possibilities of it being of alien nature (I like to keep an open mind on such things) but I read one post...
Category: General
Dancing Fire at the Edge of the Sun: Capturing Solar Prominences in Hydrogen Alpha
As an amateur astronomer with a deep love for both the night sky and our nearest star, I recently had the opportunity to image the Sun using a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope and...
Moon Shot – 2nd June 2025
Taken with a Seestar S50, from my backyard in Nottinghamshire, UK – 1 minute of RAW video stacked inside the Seestar app.
A Dark Sky Advocate’s Perspective: How Devon County Council is Leading the Way in Reducing Light Pollution
By Dr. Chris Spencer, Dark Sky Ambassador for Sherwood Observatory As a Dark Sky Ambassador, I am constantly inspired by initiatives that work to preserve the natural beauty of our night skies....
Welcome to the Dark Skies Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Light Pollution?
As a Dark Sky Ambassador, I thought I would share this fun and educational quiz I made that will test your knowledge about light pollution and its impact on our world. Light...
Skyglow: What It Is, How We Can Reduce It, and Why It Matters
Skyglow is a term many people may not be familiar with, but it affects all of us—especially those who love stargazing and value the beauty of the natural night sky. It refers...
Whitepaper: The Use of Red Night Lights in Astronomy
Introduction In the world of observational astronomy, clear, dark skies are essential for accurate celestial observations. Light pollution, especially from artificial sources, has long been recognized as a major hindrance to stargazing....
Buzzkill: The Impact of Light Pollution on Honey Bees and Animal Welfare
How Light Pollution Affects Honey Bees: A Growing Concern for Ecosystems and Agriculture Light pollution, the pervasive presence of artificial light in the natural environment, is increasingly recognized as a major environmental...
Exciting News: Representing Sherwood Observatory as a Dark Sky Ambassador!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been asked to represent Sherwood Observatory as their Dark Sky Ambassador. As a dedicated advocate for reducing light pollution and protecting our night skies, I am...
The Types of Night Darkness: From Sunset to Sunrise
Nighttime is a fascinating progression through various phases of darkness, each bringing subtle changes in light, atmosphere, and visibility. Observing these changes provides a deeper appreciation of our natural world and highlights...
The Impact of Blue Light at Night and the Benefits of Warm Lighting
Artificial lighting has revolutionized the way we live, but it also comes with hidden costs, particularly when it comes to the health impacts of blue light at night. This whitepaper explores the harmful effects of blue light on human health, the environment, and astronomical observations. It will discuss the science behind blue light exposure, its detrimental impacts on sleep and eye health, and the broader implications for light pollution and wildlife. Finally, this paper highlights the benefits of warm lighting and provides actionable recommendations to mitigate the risks of blue light exposure, both indoors and outdoors.
Responsible Outdoor Lighting: A Whitepaper on the Five Key Principles
Introduction Outdoor lighting plays a significant role in enhancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics in urban and rural environments alike. However, poorly designed or misused lighting can have unintended consequences, such as light...
