Panoramic photography survey on the usage of external lighting (2020-21)
| Funding year | 2020-21 |
|---|---|
| Proposal/Project No. | KP-IP-2020/21-78 |
| Project title | Panoramic photography survey on the usage of external lighting |
| Approved budget (HKD) | 90,000 |
Summary
This project aims to spread the message of light pollution reduction and dark sky preservation by surveying lighting usage through panoramic photography, which provides a 360-degree view of the impact of lighting on our environment. The public can identify sources of light pollution at the tip of their fingers. An associated citizen science project in the form of a STEM competition will be organized to promote the use of these panoramic images. The project also continues our multinational knowledge exchange effort through the Globe at Night – Sky Brightness Monitoring Network which adopts the HKU-developed standardized method to measure light pollution.
Project Objectives
- To document the lighting environment at selected locations in Hong Kong by panoramic photography
- To invite students to analyze panoramic images to improve the understanding of light pollution conditions of living environments
- To contribute to the Working Group on External Lighting in assessing the light pollution conditions in Hong Kong by providing references and evidence obtained from the panoramic photography survey
- To promote light pollution measurement technique developed by HKU and research results from the ongoing HKU’s multinational light pollution study to the public both locally in Hong Kong and overseas
- To educate people on the importance of light pollution reduction both in Hong Kong and overseas
- To promote good practices of lighting in Hong Kong and overseas in the hope of maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing light pollution
External Partner Organization
Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen)
Office for Astronomy Outreach, International Astronomical Union
Non-academic Sector(s) benefitted
Hong Kong general public, Hong Kong and international light pollution educational community
Deliverables
- Conducted an online lecture Panoramic Photography Survey on the Usage of External Lighting on 3 April 2021.
- Expanded the Globe at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network with 6 new stations in 4 countries and regions: Sweden, Argentina, USA, and Hong Kong
Impacts
Demonstrated effectiveness of the panoramic (360) imaging technique in studying light pollution.
Expanding the night sky brightness monitoring network.
Educating the public on light pollution.