BBC NEWS | UK | Light pollution 'masking stars'

On 12 Mar, 11:36, " wrote:
"A growing number of people are unable to see the night sky because of
glare from poorly-designed outdoor lights in built up areas, a survey
suggests.

Some 1,829 members of the UK public counted the stars for the study by
the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the British Astronomical
Association.

They were asked to focus on the constellation of Orion, one of the
most easily-identified.

About 50 stars could be visible to the naked eye within a truly dark
sky.

But just 2% of respondents said they could see more than 30 stars,
with 54% saying they saw fewer than 10 stars in Orion - a level which
indicates severe light pollution.

The online survey took place on nights of 20-24 December 2006 and
14-21 January."

More athttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6440751.stm

And, what do you expect will be done about it? Absolutely zilch.
Local authorities under their duty of care are expected to light every
last bit of tarmac in case somebody trips up in the dark and sues
them. Ditto for the Highways Agency and the Police Authorities,
devils' advocates for transport and crime.
An enquiry was carried out by the Science and Technology Committee of
the House of Commons several years ago on the impact of light
pollution and Astronomy. No worthy conclusion was reached but the
concensus implied that, if you wanted dark skies to see the Milky Way
and if you wanted to indulge in astronomical observations, you should
better find yourself another country for your hobby. Professionals
astronomers gave up years ago because of our uncertain weather
conditions and aren't too bothered by the plight of disappearing stars
under British skies.
Forgive the rant but I can't see a way out of this problem. Any
measure adopted to counter light pollution is being outstripped by
ever increasing developments not respecting guidelines.

Pierre MK-UK