University of Groningen hosts EURODARK

From 14 to 16 March, the University of Groningen will host a European conference on light pollution. This 16th edition will take place at the Family Hotel in Paterswolde, under the auspices of the global organisation Dark Sky International.

The opening on Thursday 14 March will be performed by deputy Tjeerd van Dekken of the province of Groningen. The conference is organised by The Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE).

Crucible of experts

Astronomer and chief organiser Prof Dr Reynier Peletier of the RUG says he expects over a hundred participants: "And they are not just astronomers. It's a melting pot of experts in light pollution. There will be biologists, managers of National Parks, representatives of (regional) governments, dark tourism organisations and representatives of the luminaire industry. In this way, we can jointly make a fist against increasing light pollution.  Especially in the Netherlands too, in many places the Milky Way is no longer visible, more darkness is better for nature and people."

Collaboration

It is more than just a problem of astronomers emphasises Peletier. Of course, seeing a beautiful Milky Way is wonderful, but there is more to it. Too much light is bad for people and nature. Groningen chronobiologist Prof Roelof Hut emphasises this: "The effects of too much light on nature are fairly well known, of the effects on humans we only know the tip of the iceberg. You do this research with many and across everyone's discipline boundaries, just like at this conference, scientists from different research disciplines"

Expertise

RUG astronomers have developed into darkness experts in recent years. Measurement networks have been set up, measurement methods developed and together with colleagues at the University of Oldenburg (Germany) and the University of Arhus (Denmark).  In a broader European context, the Groningers are involved in the Darker Sky project, working to reduce light pollution in (smaller) ports in Europe. For the Netherlands, this is the port of Lauwersoog and the future Holwerd aan Zee. Both projects have been funded by INTERREG North Sea. The astronomers are also partners in the Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer.

"The conference is a great crowning achievement and it also allows us to show what we are working on. For participants, there are excursions to the Dark Sky Park and the port of Lauweroog," Peletier concludes.

• More information: https://www.astro.rug.nl/eurodark