SP02: Detailed characterisation of natural and artifical night-sky brightness at rural and remote sites

Subproject 02 is a collaborative effort between the Leibniz Institut of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) and Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and complements studies performed in subproject 01.

Observations of celestial targets like stars and galaxies are influenced and hampered by light, be it a natural source (moon, zodiacal light) or artificial lightning. Recognizing those difficulties about a century ago, professional astronomy has begun to put their facilities at very remote sites. Our knowledge about the artificial light an its influence on celestial observations therefore was not developed further.

By erecting a small network of lightmeters in the city of Berlin at its suburbs/outskirts we plan to create night-sky maps putting spezial emphasis on the long-term variation of the night-sky brightness in and around a booming city. We plan to study the influence on astronomical observing conditions and want to achieve public awareness among pupils and scholars.

Project Scientist is Dr. Robert Schwarz
Project leaders are PD Dr. Axel Schwope (AIP) and PD Dr. Franz Hölker (IGB)