When thinking about pollution, light pollution is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. But for those living in the Baltimore/Washington DC area, and many other areas across the world, light pollution is a very real concern
This year, Capitol is once again taking part in the GLOBE at Night project, which is designed to measure light pollution across the world. For two weeks at the end of March, participants will measure the brightness of the night sky by matching the appearance of the constellation Orion with seven star maps of progressively fainter stars. The results are then sent to GLOBE scientists who compile a map of light-pollution levels worldwide.
“Capitol College is pleased to once again participate in this important citizen-science campaign encouraging people to record the brightness of their night sky,” Dr. Michael Gibbs, vice president for advancement and director of the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach, said.
Several Capitol students, faculty and staff are partaking in this year’s event through the college’s Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. Their findings will help GLOBE scientists determine the amount of light pollution that is present in Maryland.
“Last year, we noticed [the Washington DC area] was underrepresented in the GLOBE project and we thought it would be a good opportunity for SOI students to get involved,” Associate Professor Angela Walters said.
In 2010, the project received submissions from nearly 18,000 participants worldwide. This year, participants can now submit their findings to GLOBE with their smart phones or tablet computers, which should only increase the number of submissions. Follow the link for more information about the GLOBE at Night campaign.