Meeting on Light Pollution: Challenges and Responses for Monitoring it

Light pollution has a direct impact on the environment, on astronomical observations and on the starry sky as a heritage resource of humanity. Excessive light confuses the biological clocks of humans, animals and plants with its spectral composition similar to daylight. As a result, it makes it difficult to distinguish between day and night and between the seasons to which living organisms are physiologically attuned. Light pollution is therefore an environmental problem caused by the inappropriate use of artificial light (the pollutant) with a strong transboundary character because, under the right conditions, light can spread up to hundreds of kilometres away from its source. It can therefore affect habitats far away from the pollutant sources. For this reason, the Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Spanish government, through the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, is organising, in collaboration with the Spanish Network of Studies on Light Pollution, this international scientific meeting dedicated to addressing the pressing issues surrounding light pollution and its monitoring, which is a matter of significant environmental and legal concern. This meeting is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues surrounding light pollution and its monitoring, which is a matter of significant environmental and legal concern. The program is structured into four insightful sessions: Legal and Environmental Justification for Monitoring Light Pollution: This session will delve into the legal frameworks and environmental imperatives driving the need for vigilant monitoring of light pollution. Measurement of Light Pollution on Ground: Experts will share methodologies and latest technologies employed in measuring light pollution at the terrestrial level. Satellite Measurement of Light Pollution: This session will focus on the advancements in satellite technology aiding in the monitoring of light pollution from space. Needs for Modelling Light Pollution: Discussions in this session will center around the requirements and strategies for accurate modelling of light pollution to aid in policy formulation and implementation.