The Vanishing universe : adverse environmental impacts on astronomy : proceedings of the conference sponsored by Unesco ... [et al.] held at Unesco, Paris, June 30-July 2, 1992

Author(s)

Bibliographic Information

The Vanishing universe : adverse environmental impacts on astronomy : proceedings of the conference sponsored by Unesco ... [et al.] held at Unesco, Paris, June 30-July 2, 1992

edited by Derek McNally

Cambridge University Press, 1994

Available at  / 5 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Description and Table of Contents

Description

What is the future of observational astronomy? The effect on astronomy of environmental degradation, from electromagnetic pollution to near-Earth space debris, and the broader implications of jeopardising this science are explored in this provoking review. Astronomy is acutely vulnerable to environmental pollution. This survey demonstrates, unequivocally, the destructive impact of civilisation on current observational astronomy and its future. International astronomers discuss the source and effect of electromagnetic pollution - from optical to radio wavelengths - and space debris. Together with specialists from industry, law and elsewhere, they go on to outline possible remedies and the legislation required for successful international regulation of the pollutants. These articles offer an authoritative survey of the pollutants and the steps necessary to regulate them. They provide an essential reference for the professional astronomer, environmentalist and concerned non-specialist.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction - the effect of civilisation on observational astronomy D. McNally
  • 1. The frontiers of modern astronomy M. S. Longair
  • 2. The aims of astronomy in science and the humanities: why astronomy must be protected P. Murdin
  • 3. General principles of the right to uninterrupted activities in outer space B. Reijen
  • 4. Light pollution - theft of the night D. L. Crawford
  • 5. Impact and restriction of interference of light D. A. Schreudre
  • 6. Adverse environmental impacts on astronomy: the case of improved street lighting D. T. Herbert
  • 7. Light extinction in the atmosphere N. Laulainen
  • 8. Environmental effects on astronomical observation J. Kovalevsky
  • 9. Natural background radiation: the light from the night sky A. C. Levasseur-Regourd
  • 10. Opening the radio window F. Graham-Smith
  • 11. The threat to radio astronomy J. B. Whiteoak
  • 12. Radio interference to passive scientific measurements: its causes and its cures R. M. Price
  • 13. Radio astronomy in the radio environment C. Kirby and R. G. Struzak
  • 14. Preserving wilderness areas in the radio spectrum P. A. Vanden Bout
  • 15. Illustration of radio interference D. McNally
  • 16. mm-Wave - the last virgin land M. Morimoto
  • 17. The Mount Wilson story M. Bester, S. Baliunas, C. Shelton and L. Webster
  • 18. Radio astronomy and the developing countries G. Swarup
  • 19. The disappearance of the night sky D. Malin
  • 20. The space debris environment of the earth W. Flury
  • 21. Space debris observations: needs for new technology Y. Arimoto
  • 22. Illustration of the effects of space debris D. McNalley
  • 23. Space debris: how to improve the situation L. Perek.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

Page Top