moon phases

I made my presentation to the Tewksbury Township Committee last night (4/24). They were very receptive and enthusiastic about reducing light pollution in their township. The presentation lasted approximately 1/2 hour including Q&A. In brief, the Committee plans to make a formal, written Resolution adopting Christie Hoffman Farm (a local park in the township that has been used for astronomical observation and other activities) as a Dark Sky Area, as defined by the NJLPSC (NJ Light Pollution Study Commission) Report, to protect the park from light pollution incursion. Furthermore, the Committee plans to reduce light trespass that occurrs from existing public lighting in the vicinity (farmhouse and school) by shielding fixtures. The designation of the park as a dark area will be communicated to the state level. This is a watershed event inasmuch this will be the first formally recognized Dark Area in the state of NJ! The Committee also plans to contact the NJDOT to request installation of the new "Mongoose" light fixtures for existing lighting at the Oldwick exit (24?) of rt 78. These are the luminaires that are being installed by NJDOT in Piscataway along rt 287 on a trial basis. The Committee is in full support of reducing the lighting along rt 78 where possible, particularly the Offset Luminaires (what I call "stadium lights"). Communication to neighboring towns on this topic has occurred and will continue to be pursued. A local lighting ordinance similar to those developed in neighboring towns will be created. I would like to thank the Mayor of Tewksbury Township, Mr. S. Van Doren, for his unwavering support of this important environmental issue and his tireless efforts to bring the starry night sky back to this area of NJ for public enjoyment and astronomical observation and research. The presentation was audio recorded, and although the media was not present, there is the possibility of local papers writing an article about this issue.

I plan to continue this effort and am willing to speak to town committees, local environmental commissions, provide documentation and guidance where possible, to help improve environmental conditions of the night sky in our areas surrounding NJAA and Vorhees State Park. Thanks to all who helped me prepare for this presentation, and for others I hope to perform in the future.

Neil Wendt

If anyone has good or bad news about light pollution in an area around the NJAA to report, let us know about it.