ECOLOGY
OF THE NIGHT
 This
web site has been developed by the Muskoka
Heritage Foundation on behalf of the “ECOLOGY OF THE
NIGHT” Symposium participants and sponsors, held at the
Leslie M. Frost Centre, September 22-24, 2003.
 "A
group of volunteers and professionals spent eighteen months preparing
for the international symposium where the ‘value of the night’
was discussed---including aspects of the natural/biological world,
the human health and physiological world, the cultural/spiritual/
historical world, and the regulatory framework.
Through the
symposium, we hope to further knowledge and develop resolutions
to deal with aggressive lighting systems. We will be addressing
many matters, from the identification of light pollution as a disturbance
to the magic of the night to issues dealing with biological disruptions
and cultural dislocations.
We acknowledge
and thank the generous sponsors who have provided the necessary
funding that has allowed us to invite highly qualified professionals
to provide keynote addresses and to share expert opinions."
Peter L.E.Goering
Symposium Organizing Committee
Director, Muskoka Heritage Foundation
SYMPOSIUM
THEMES
SCIENTIFIC AND
BIOLOGICAL INTERESTS
- How is the
natural environment affected by the loss of dark skies?
- What is the
general importance of the night sky to the natural and scientific
worlds?
- What are
the issues to be addressed?
- What are
the solutions to the issues?
IMPORTANCE
OF THE NIGHT SKY TO THE CULTURAL, SPIRITUAL AND HISTORICAL WORLDS
- What is
the general importance of the night sky to the Cultural, Spiritual
and Historical Worlds?
- How is the
cultural world affected by the loss of dark skies?
- What are
the issues that need to be addressed?
- What should
be done to address these issues?
THE IMPORTANCE
OF THE NIGHT SKY TO HUMAN HEALTH
- How is human
health affected by the loss of dark skies?
- What is
the general importance of the night sky to human health?
- What are
the issues that need to be addressed?
- What should
be done to address these issues? What are the priorities?
ACHIEVING
DARK SKY COMPLIANCE THROUGH VOLUNTARY AND REGULATORY
- Whose behaviour
do we want to change?
- What options
do we have to change behaviour?
- What are
the issues and barrier to the successful implementation of those
options?
- What is needed
to improve the regulation and control of light pollution? What
are the priorities?
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Scotobiology
- More Info
Many visitors
are unexpectedly astounded and captivated when they view the night
sky from within our national parks. Like clean air and water, wildlife,
or the sounds of nature, a clear, dark sky is an intrinsic part
of the national park (US) experience that must be protected for
present and future generations.
US National Parks Conservation Association
CIRCADIAN
RHYTHM AND HUMAN HEALTH
All life evolved
on Earth under both a Light and Dark cycle.
The Light and
Dark cycle is called Circadian Rhythm. The Circadian
Rhythm controls the ebb and flow of most hormones in the human body
and most functions of the human body are under Circadian control.
The internal
Circadian Clock is set externally by Visible Light through the EYE.
Joan E. Roberts, Ph.D.
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