Towards future challenges in the measurement and modelling of night sky brightness

John C. Barentine, Stefan Wallner, Miroslav Kocifaj

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

In ground-based astronomy, the brightness of the night sky is the limiting factor that determines the efficacy of any particular telescope in terms of detecting faint objects. Proper measurement and monitoring of night sky brightness (NSB) is therefore key to protecting sites of astronomical observatories from light pollution and maximizing their scientific productivity. However, current data sources and modelling approaches exhibit practical shortcomings that significantly limit their utility. By considering the current situation in measuring light pollution, we identify opportunities for improvements. These include defaulting to spatially resolved sky brightness measurements, routinely incorporating spectral information and polarization, and collecting simultaneous meteorological data. Given the acute threat to astronomy posed by rapidly increasing NSB around the world, we argue that the time has come for the standardization of NSB measurement and monitoring methods and protocols.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5553-5558
Number of pages6
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume527
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 103004 Astrophysics
  • 105906 Environmental geosciences
  • 105904 Environmental research

Keywords

  • atmospheric effects
  • light pollution
  • methods: numerical
  • methods: observational

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Towards future challenges in the measurement and modelling of night sky brightness'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this