Latest news with #RichardGreen
Japan Today
a day ago
- Science
- Japan Today
Light pollution encroaching on observatories around the globe, making it harder for astronomers to study cosmos
By Richard Green Outdoor lighting for buildings, roads and advertising can help people see in the dark of night, but many astronomers are growing increasingly concerned that these lights could be blinding us to the rest of the universe. An estimate from 2023 showed that the rate of human-produced light is increasing in the night sky by as much as 10% per year. I'm an astronomer who has chaired a standing commission on astronomical site protection for the International Astronomical Union-sponsored working groups studying ground-based light pollution. My work with these groups has centered around the idea that lights from human activities are now affecting astronomical observatories on what used to be distant mountaintops. Hot science in the cold, dark night While orbiting telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope or the James Webb Space Telescope give researchers a unique view of the cosmos – particularly because they can see light blocked by the Earth's atmosphere – ground-based telescopes also continue to drive cutting-edge discovery. Telescopes on the ground capture light with gigantic and precise focusing mirrors that can be 20 to 35 feet (6 to 10 meters) wide. Moving all astronomical observations to space to escape light pollution would not be possible, because space missions have a much greater cost and so many large ground-based telescopes are already in operation or under construction. Around the world, there are 17 ground-based telescopes with primary mirrors as big or bigger than Webb's 20-foot (6-meter) mirror, and three more under construction with mirrors planned to span 80 to 130 feet (24 to 40 meters). The newest telescope starting its scientific mission right now, the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, has a mirror with a 28-foot diameter and a 3-gigapixel camera. One of its missions is to map the distribution of dark matter in the universe. To do that, it will collect a sample of 2.6 billion galaxies. The typical galaxy in that sample is 100 times fainter than the natural glow in the nighttime air in the Earth's atmosphere, so this Rubin Observatory program depends on near-total natural darkness. Any light scattered at night – road lighting, building illumination, billboards – would add glare and noise to the scene, greatly reducing the number of galaxies Rubin can reliably measure in the same time, or greatly increasing the total exposure time required to get the same result. The LED revolution Astronomers care specifically about artificial light in the blue-green range of the electromagnetic spectrum, as that used to be the darkest part of the night sky. A decade ago, the most common outdoor lighting was from sodium vapor discharge lamps. They produced an orange-pink glow, which meant that they put out very little blue and green light. Even observatories relatively close to growing urban areas had skies that were naturally dark in the blue and green part of the spectrum, enabling all kinds of new observations. Then came the solid-state LED lighting revolution. Those lights put out a broad rainbow of color with very high efficiency – meaning they produce lots of light per watt of electricity. The earliest versions of LEDs put out a large fraction of their energy in the blue and green, but advancing technology now gets the same efficiency with 'warmer' lights that have much less blue and green. Nevertheless, the formerly pristine darkness of the night sky now has much more light, particularly in the blue and green, from LEDs in cities and towns, lighting roads, public spaces and advertising. The broad output of color from LEDs affects the whole spectrum, from ultraviolet through deep red. The U.S. Department of Energy commissioned a study in 2019 which predicted that the higher energy efficiency of LEDs would mean that the amount of power used for lights at night would go down, with the amount of light emitted staying roughly the same. But satellites looking down at the Earth reveal that just isn't the case. The amount of light is going steadily up, meaning that cities and businesses were willing to keep their electricity bills about the same as energy efficiency improved, and just get more light. Natural darkness in retreat As human activity spreads out over time, many of the remote areas that host observatories are becoming less remote. Light domes from large urban areas slightly brighten the dark sky at mountaintop observatories up to 200 miles (320 kilometers) away. When these urban areas are adjacent to an observatory, the addition to the skyglow is much stronger, making detection of the faintest galaxies and stars that much harder. When the Mt. Wilson Observatory was constructed in the Angeles National Forest near Pasadena, California, in the early 1900s, it was a very dark site, considerably far from the 500,000 people living in Greater Los Angeles. Today, 18.6 million people live in the LA area, and urban sprawl has brought civilization much closer to Mt. Wilson. When Kitt Peak National Observatory was first under construction in the late 1950s, it was far from metro Tucson, Arizona, with its population of 230,000. Today, that area houses 1 million people, and Kitt Peak faces much more light pollution. Even telescopes in darker, more secluded regions – like northern Chile or western Texas – experience light pollution from industrial activities like open-pit mining or oil and gas facilities. The case of the European Southern Observatory An interesting modern challenge is facing the European Southern Observatory, which operates four of the world's largest optical telescopes. Their site in northern Chile is very remote, and it is nominally covered by strict national regulations protecting the dark sky. AES Chile, an energy provider with strong U.S. investor backing, announced a plan in December 2024 for the development of a large industrial plant and transport hub close to the observatory. The plant would produce liquid hydrogen and ammonia for green energy. Even though formally compliant with the national lighting norm, the fully built operation could scatter enough artificial light into the night sky to turn the current observatory's pristine darkness into a state similar to some of the legacy observatories now near large urban areas. This light pollution could mean the facility won't have the same ability to detect and measure the faintest galaxies and stars. Light pollution doesn't only affect observatories. Today, around 80% of the world's population cannot see the Milky Way at night. Some Asian cities are so bright that the eyes of people walking outdoors cannot become visually dark-adapted. In 2009, the International Astronomical Union declared that there is a universal right to starlight. The dark night sky belongs to all people – its awe-inspiring beauty is something that you don't have to be an astronomer to appreciate. Richard Green is Astronomer Emeritus, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to check bird feeders as seeds could put them in danger
If you have bird feeders set up in your garden then an expert has recommended making sure you check one vital thing - otherwise you could risk making birds sick With the UK's unpredictable summer weather, Brits need to keep a special eye on their bird feeders to make sure their feathery friends stay safe. Birds make a delightful addition to any garden, with their distinct song and unique behavioural quirks. However, their numbers are also dwindling. According to government data, bird species across the UK have declined by 2% between 2018 and 2023. A great way to help birds is by leaving food out for them in bird feeders, which will encourage them to visit your garden. However, garden-owners need to keep an eye on the food they leave out in case it goes mouldy, starts producing rancid oils or leads to insect infestations. To avoid this, Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from bird food supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, advises households to be wary about how long different types of bird food are left outside. It's crucial to be able to recognise spoiled bird food. Richard says: "Regardless of the type, bird food left outside should be monitored regularly. Signs it needs replacing include mould, a sour or rancid smell, unusual colouring or the presence of insects." He adds: "Even in cooler temperatures, food shouldn't be left out indefinitely without being checked. Fresh food not only keeps birds healthy but also encourages them to keep returning." Equally, some kinds of bird food are more prone to spoiling than others. Richard cautions that nuts and dried fruits aren't as hardy as other kinds of foods outdoors. He says: "They generally need replacing after one to four weeks, especially in warmer or wetter weather. Their high fat and sugar content can lead to faster spoilage, and they may attract insects if left out too long." Suet cakes are another popular option that may not hold up well outside. Richard explains: "Suet cakes are particularly sensitive to outdoor temperatures. In cool weather, they can stay fresh for up to two months, but in warm conditions, they may soften, melt or spoil much sooner." He continues: "To avoid wasting food, place suet in shaded areas and only put out as much as birds are likely to eat within a few days during summer." Similarly, seed-based bird food may not be the best option to withstand outdoor conditions. Richard says: "Depending on the weather, they may last anywhere from two weeks to six months. Rain and humidity are major issues, as damp conditions can quickly cause seeds to go mouldy. "Seeds with higher oil content, like sunflower seeds, are also more likely to spoil quickly in the heat. Feeders placed in shaded, elevated spots will give seeds a better chance of lasting longer." So, which kind of bird food will hold up best in the heat? Richard recommends opting for bird pellets, as he explains that their low moisture content makes them more durable and they can last several months outside in mild, dry conditions. Although, he cautions that in humid or wet weather 'they can still become soft or attract mould.' He adds: 'Checking feeders after rain and clearing out soggy or clumped pellets helps prevent waste and keeps the food safe for birds. A few minutes spent checking feeders can help protect local birdlife from illness and ensure your garden stays a welcoming, safe place for wildlife.'
The Sun
05-08-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Urgent warning for gardeners over bird feeder mistake that could be putting birds in danger
SUMMER isn't over yet, which means plenty of us will still be spending time in the garden. And there's nothing better than relaxing outside with a cuppa, whilst listening to the peaceful chirps of friendly birds. But if you're keen to look after the feathered friends in to your garden, then there's an urgent warning you need to be aware of. Bird experts have warned that the wet and unpredictable weather could could mean that your bird feeders are posing a danger to winged visitors. Richard Green, a bird feeding specialist from bird food supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, has revealed that mould, rancid oils, and insect infestations are on the rise in spoiled bird food. As a result, he's advised households to be wary about how long different types of bird food are left outside. He said: "Regardless of the type, bird food left outside should be monitored regularly. "Signs it needs replacing include mould, a sour or rancid smell, unusual colouring or the presence of insects. "Even in cooler temperatures, food shouldn't be left out indefinitely without being checked. Fresh food not only keeps birds healthy but also encourages them to keep returning." Richard also revealed that there are certain bird foods that are more prone to spoiling that garden fanatics should be aware of. Nuts and dried fruits He said: "Nuts and dried fruits offer energy-rich nutrition but aren't as hardy outdoors. "They generally need replacing after one to four weeks, especially in warmer or wetter weather. Their high fat and sugar content can lead to faster spoilage, and they may attract insects if left out too long." Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Suet cakes "Suet cakes are particularly sensitive to outdoor temperatures", Richard adds. "In cool weather, they can stay fresh for up to two months, but in warm conditions, they may soften, melt or spoil much sooner. 'To avoid wasting food, place suet in shaded areas and only put out as much as birds are likely to eat within a few days during summer." Seed-based bird food Richard also said that the freshness of seed mixes, one of the most common bird feed options, can vary. He said: "Depending on the weather, they may last anywhere from two weeks to six months. Rain and humidity are major issues, as damp conditions can quickly cause seeds to go mouldy. 'Seeds with higher oil content, like sunflower seeds, are also more likely to spoil quickly in the heat. Feeders placed in shaded, elevated spots will give seeds a better chance of lasting longer." So if you're looking to give birds the healthiest option with in your garden, Richard insists that pellet food is the way to go. He concluded: "Pellets tend to hold up better outdoors than loose seed. Their low moisture content makes them more resistant to the elements, and they can last several months outside in mild, dry conditions. "However, in humid or wet weather, they can still become soft or attract mould. 'Checking feeders after rain and clearing out soggy or clumped pellets helps prevent waste and keeps the food safe for birds. 'A few minutes spent checking feeders can help protect local birdlife from illness and ensure your garden stays a welcoming, safe place for wildlife.' If this has inspired you to add a handy garden gadget to your garden for attracting birds then you'll want to head to Home Bargains. The retail giant's Firefly Hanging Bird Feeder Solar Light is priced at just £6.99, so is perfect for anyone keen to pinch pennies. The stunning bird feeder can be hung on trees or posts in your garden, and will attract beaked creatures if you place nuts and seeds on it. Plus, it also transforms into a solar light at night, turning your garden into a peaceful haven. The solar light is powered by the sun, meaning that it charges up all day, and then automatically turns on at dusk. In comparison, Amazon is selling a Solar Bird Feeder for a whopping £85.99, making the Home Bargains buy £78 cheaper.
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners told to tip coffee straight onto their beds this summer
Slugs have been having a field day this summer munching their way through gardens up and down the UK but it turns out that coffee grounds can keep them at bay and stop ruining your plants It's been a challenging summer for green-fingered Brits with heatwaves followed by thunderstorms - and it's been great for slugs and snails. While the weather has made it great for plants to bloom, the insatiable creatures will stop at nothing to devour your garden, munching through strawberries, raspberries, tomato plants, potato foliage and all sorts of flowers in their quest to satisfy their seemingly insatiable appetite. But did you know that inexpensive coffee grounds can do more than just kick-start your day? They could also give your garden a much-needed boost. Caffeine is toxic to slugs and snails, leading some gardening gurus to advocate its use as a form of pest control. However, a word of caution: coffee is an extremely painful way for slugs to meet their end, even worse than salt, so avoid applying coffee grounds directly onto any slugs or snails (a swift stamp would be quicker and less cruel). Instead, simply scatter the coffee grounds onto soil and around raised beds or pots during dry, clear weather, reports the Express. When it does rain, the slugs won't cross the coffee, thereby safeguarding your precious flowers and crops. Research has shown that coffee grounds can reduce slug and snail populations by between 50 and 90 per cent. And don't worry about harming your plants - the coffee won't have any detrimental effects. In fact, some studies have found that caffeine can actually stimulate plant growth - making it a win for your garden all round. The gardening blog Tea and Coffee reveals: "Coffee grounds contain a chemical called alkaloid, which is poisonous to slugs. When slugs ingest coffee grounds, they suffer from severe dehydration and eventually die. For these reasons, slugs will avoid areas where coffee grounds have been sprinkled. While coffee grounds may not be the most effective way to keep slugs out of your garden, they can be a helpful tool in deterring these pests." However if you want a more natural and kinder way to slug-proof your garden patch, wildlife expert Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies has the inside scoop on slug warfare: enlist the help of our feathered friends. "Birds can be a great way to naturally deal with slugs and protect your plants," he shared. Green points out that blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, and robins aren't just pretty faces – they're slug-munching machines, offering an organic alternative to chemical repellents. "Blackbirds, thrushes, starlings, and robins are some of the birds that eat slugs, becoming a natural source of pest control while reducing the need for harmful chemicals," he further noted.
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
Find out how drone chainsaws could actually improve health and safety
technology 37 minutes ago Researchers from the University of Canterbury have successfully developed chainsaw drones. It comes off the back of eight years of development aiming to build drones that can traverse complex environments. The team has heard from multiple businesses that agree these drones could vastly improve the health and safety of their staff. Computer science professor Richard Green led the project.
