Request for illumination prohibition by upward search light on highway

Regarding the maintenance of expressways, sign lighting by nightly searchlight is a concern for light hazards and traffic safety. I would like to ask for appropriate guidance to related areas, thank you.

Astronomical observation, science education: Astronomical observation requires a dark night sky. Japan boasts one of the world's leading campaigns and achievements in citizen (amateur) astronomical activities, and specialized astronomers at universities, research institutes and science educational facilities throughout the country are conducting advanced research to capture weak light from space I am doing big scientific achievements. At elementary and secondary schools, observation of stars and astronomical observations are conducted as part of science education.

Measures against light pollution by the Ministry of the Environment: "Light pollution countermeasure guideline" (1998) formulated by the Ministry of the Environment and "Handbook on light pollution control system" (13 years), the limit of light I recommend it.

環境省が策定した「光害対策ガイドライン」（平成１０年）および「光害防止制度に係わるハンドブック」（１３年）

  

Highway upward search light, etc. However, ones that illuminate the sign with the upward search light on the expressway are used, leak light due to peripheral beam characteristics and deviation of the optical axis, and irregularly reflected sign light illuminate the night sky and lighten up (Lower figure). Also, the light leakage from the upper part of the lighting in the road and related facilities brightens the night sky. These light hazards are obstacles for scientists' observation of celestial bodies, science education for students and lifelong education for citizens.

In view of the circumstances beyond demand, the Japan Astronomical Society requests the following:

1.       Prohibition of sign lighting by upward search light on highway.

2.       Prevention of upward leakage of lights and related facilities lighting.

source:
asj jp