Promoting light pollution education and research worldwide (2014-15)
| Funding year | 2014-15 |
|---|---|
| Proposal/Project No. | KP-IP-2014/15-57 |
| Project title | Promoting light pollution education and research worldwide |
| Approved budget (HKD) | 85,000 |
Summary
This project aims to (1) spread the night sky measurement method developed at HKU to overseas locations such as Tokyo, Japan, and Ulan Bator, Mongolia; (2) establish the foundation for setting up an international light pollution monitoring network, with HKU as the data center; and (3) sustain light pollution public education in Hong Kong by maintaining the public webpage and night sky measuring programs, continue collaboration with the Hong Kong Observatory on data transfer.
Project Objectives
- To share the night sky measurement technique developed at HKU with overseas locations
- To establish the foundation for an international light pollution monitoring network with HKU as the data center
- To promote public education and public engagement on light pollution in Hong Kong
- To promote results from the HKU light pollution research to the general public
External Partner Organization
International Astronomical Union
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Non-academic Sector(s) benefitted
Hong Kong general public, International Community
Deliverables
- Organized "Globe at Night - Sky Brightness Monitoring Network" User Workshop on Jan 7 – 9, 2015 at the National Astronomical Observatory Japan.
- A total of 8 monitoring stations had been set up in 4 regions (Korea × 2, Japan × 1, Taiwan × 3, Hong Kong × 2), with real-time results available on the KE project webpage of the project.
- Public lectures had been given on light pollution in both Japan and Hong Kong and have made a total of 6 local and international appearances in the news media during the duration of the project.
- Expanded the reach of the light pollution data collected by our measuring stations through an agreement with the Hong Kong Observatory so that data from our network is available real-time in the Astronomical observation webpage maintained by the HKO
Impacts
Built the foundation of an international community of light pollution education and information network, with the method of measurement developed by HKU providing the scientific backbone for this initiative.
Maintained HKU’s leading role in quantifying the extent of light pollution and providing educational information on light pollution related topics in Hong Kong.