Re: Bortle Scale Map Accuracy in 2009

> The skies at Fremont Peak, as well as other local sites, have been
> getting brighter for quite a long time -- it's not a recent thing.

> started observing in the Sierras when regulars complained about the
> sky conditions at Fremont Peak worsening. We're still fortunate to
> have access to fairly dark skies such as Willow Springs within an
> hour or two driving distance

> Carter Scholz observed last weekend in dark skies with an
> SQM reading of 21.84, though he had to travel all the way to Black
> Rock Desert in northern Nevada!

Thanks Steve,

Your post raises two questions:

(a) why, many years ago when Fremont Peak began getting brighter, did the astronomers who frequented Fremont Peak not organize and develop political and educational initiatives to halt further degradation? (I know the FPOA people got a lighting ordinance for rural San Benito Co. but why not the major light polluting cities nearby -- Gilroy, Hollister, Salinas, etc.)

(b) What concrete steps, if any, are astronomers taking, NOW, to protect the dark sky resource in places like Willow Springs, Black Rock Desert, the Sierras, Lake San Antonio, etc?

These are not meant to be rhetorical questions.  I am truly mystified as to why the Northern CA amateur astronomy community appears to be so unenthusiastic when it comes to protecting the dark sky resources that are essential for the enjoyment and future viability of the hobby.  Especially since light pollution awareness and education is so central to my own (modest) outreach efforts (e.g. at public star parties)

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