Stars Align for Earth Hour
05 Mar 2009
Australians have another reason to switch off their lights for Earth Hour - Saturday, 28 March, at 8.30pm - the chance for a once-a-year view of the heavens.
"Earth Hour provides a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and this is a perfect activity to enjoy on the night," said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne.
"We're hoping that one billion people all over the world will join us during Earth Hour to cast their vote for the Earth. What better way to remind us of how unique and important our planet is than to look up into space and appreciate the magnificent night sky."
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and as households and businesses take steps to reduce their carbon pollution, they are also significantly reducing their light pollution.
Professor Fred Watson from the Anglo-Australian Observatory said that light pollution was a huge issue for astronomers, both academic and amateur, the world over.
"International Year of Astronomy 2009 provides an opportunity for us to focus on the night skies, giving those who love astronomy a chance to highlight just how unique and exciting the scientific study of the universe is. Earth Hour, with its reduction in light pollution, will be a great chance for people to appreciate just how beautiful the night sky can be."
Many of Australia's astronomical observatories and planetariums will be switching off their lights for Earth Hour, including:
- Mount Stromlo Observatory (ACT)
- Siding Spring Observatory (NSW)
- Narrabri Observatory (NSW)
- Kirby Observatory (NSW)
- Green Point Observatory (NSW)
- Macquarie University Observatory (NSW)
- Magellan Observatory (NSW)
- Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium (QLD)
- Great Barrier Reef Observatory (QLD)
- Adelaide Planetarium (SA)
- Stockport Observatory (SA)
- Mt Canopus Observatory (TAS)
- Ballarat Municipal Observatory (VIC)
- Perth Observatories (WA)
Would-be astronomers are being urged to grab a telescope, or head to an observatory to make the most of the hour long event.
Sydney Observatory is one of the many observatories around the country open to the public on the night and resident astronomer Dr Nick Lomb is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the rare opportunity to obtain a view of the darkened night sky.
"On March 28, the Moon will be just past new, meaning that it will not be brightening the night sky. Therefore, with the reduction in Sydney's sky glow thanks to Earth Hour, we should have quite dark skies that are perfect for observing the currently ringless planet Saturn and other celestial sights."
Sydney Observatory will be open to the public from 8pm to 10pm. The observatory will feature a talk by lighting expert Reg Wilson on how good quality lighting in buildings, public spaces and homes lets us see better, makes us safer and also saves on energy use. Bookings are essential and places are strictly limited. Usual night fees apply.
With over 740 cities in nearly 100 countries already signed up to participate in Earth Hour 2009, people everywhere will be offered a view of their world, and other worlds, they may never have seen before.
For more information please contact:
Jonathon Larkin,
Media Officer, WWF-Australia
0410 221 410, jlarkin@wwf.org.au
Rachael Hoy
National Media Manager, WWF-Australia
0407 204 594, rhoy@wwf.org.au
