HKU's new project points out against Hong Kong's abuse of lighting

For thousands of years, numerous poets, philosophers and scientists have been inspired by the night sky. The vast night sky has given people unlimited imagination in an extremely distant era. In Hong Kong today, neon lights are scattered all over the streets, and the splendid starry sky is disappearing from the vision of a new generation of Hong Kong people.

HKU's new project points out the problem of light pollution in Hong Kong

Every year, Hong Kong welcomes millions of tourists. For this “City of Light”, visitors are most impressed by the twinkling glittering neon lights, sparkling skyscrapers, and the gorgeous Symphony of Lights.

Once, these dazzling light shows were limited to the downtown area of ​​the city. But gradually, as soon as the sun goes down, even parks and rivers will shine brightly like a lit Christmas tree.

However, this flood of lighting has begun to be opposed. Hong Kong’s physicist Pan Zhensheng is one of the opponents. Dr. Pan Zhensheng is an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong and is keen to study the mysteries of astronomy. With more and more serious light pollution, more and more children in Hong Kong will not be able to feel the beauty of the night sky. Dr. Pan is deeply concerned about this.

“Compared to when I was a child, there is no place in the urban area to observe the stars. As an astronomer, I am very disappointed,” Dr. Pan regretted. "This led me to think about what to do."

Therefore, Dr. Pan launched a project in 2003 to measure the night sky luminosity of urban and suburban areas. “At the same time, a group of astronomy amateurs met with the later Director of the Home Affairs Bureau and made some suggestions, such as setting up a protected night sky in the shape of a marine reserve. Some places in the world have already taken such measures, but until now, There is no regulation in Hong Kong to regulate outdoor lighting."

The project started in 2003. In the second year, Dr. Pan and a student in the last year of the undergraduate study continued their studies. They found that the luminous nighttime in the urban area was 30 times that of the suburbs.

“This research has been limited by many factors. For example, the night sky will be affected by weather conditions, the location of the moon, and the degree of air pollution. Therefore, we need to compare the data measured at different nights, such as putting Saigon on a Monday evening. Compared with the unsatisfactory data of the University of Hong Kong on a Wednesday night."

However, after the student began studying for the Master of Philosophy, they found a new direction of study.

“Before we adopted a traditional astronomical technique, it was very precise, but there were very few people who knew the operation, and the experimental equipment was extremely expensive. Later we discovered the night sky photometric measurement table, which is the equipment we use now. It is very small. It's very convenient and it's a lot easier for the people."

Therefore, in 2007, sponsored by the government's Environment and Conservation Fund, Dr. Pan purchased 30 nighttime luminosity measurement tables and relaunched the study.

"We want to increase public awareness of the light damage problem," Dr. Pan explained. “But at that time, people knew very little about light pollution. In fact, even the media at the time did not understand this concept. They know about air pollution and water pollution. But what is light pollution? People firmly believe that Hong Kong should be lighting up. Brilliant, lights are a symbol of prosperity."

After a period of time, the light harm problem received public attention. Once people understood this concept, Dr. Pan found that many enthusiastic middle school students, astronomy amateurs, and members of the camp began to help collect data as volunteers. . Then, Dr. Pan established related web pages and opened a public forum to let the public have a better understanding of the light damage problem.

Now Dr. Pan pointed out: "We are not calling for people to turn off all the lights, but many of the light does not shine down, but shoot upwards. This is a waste of energy. We are also concerned about the lighting of the park, the park. It seems that lighting is used to the maximum extent. Some situations are understandable, but in many cases this is not necessary and it is extremely harmful to trees, wildlife and birds.

"We oppose the abuse of lighting," Dr. Pan said. However, more and more people have begun to pay attention to light pollution problems. People’s complaints of light damage have also been increasing, reflecting the change in people’s attitudes.

“But,” said Dr. Pan, “Hong Kong has not yet officially dealt with light pollution problems by government agencies. In some cities, such as Singapore and Taipei, the government has introduced a lighting plan, which means that different regions have different lighting regulations. Scenic spots can be bright, but We don't have to go anywhere else. We have fallen behind in the treatment of light pollution, because in Hong Kong, anywhere, everywhere, and even in areas outside the densely populated areas of the city can be brightly lit.

"Fortunately, the Chief Executive's policy address this year has reaffirmed the government's determination to govern greenhouse gases. The report addresses not only greenhouse gases but also the entire environment."

Finally, Dr. Pan said, “The magical night sky and all the starry stories that can be told to children are all disappearing a little. Why do people pay attention to astronomy? The reason is hard to explain, but there must be some kind of connection between them. The mystery of the night sky We are deeply fascinated by the spirit and spirit. The night sky is part of nature.” For this reason alone, it should be cherished.