Light pollution blots out stars
Dear Sir,
Since the beginning of mankind the stars have been the most wondrous site adorning the night sky. In the olden days, we charted our way around the globe through the position of the stars.
For centuries, Arabs were the masters of the sky, amongst the most learned astronomers in the world. It is excellent that Qatar is to set up a space centre and a planetarium at Katara. (“Qatar to set up a space centre”, Gulf Times, February 11).
It is the vastness of space and the enormity of stars that make us realise that we are a mere grain of sand in the desert. Apart from the splendour of the night sky, the great sense of discovery as we try to identify those we can, the stars give us romance - remember Betty Davis “Don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars”.
Well folks, that is the good news. The bad news is that we don’t have the stars anymore. The Gulf states, like all other heavily populated areas, have literally turned off the night sky. Floodlights in sports stadiums illuminate the sky, insensitively causing the greatest light pollution. The message is: “You must watch the game, go elsewhere if you wish to enjoy the heavens.”
The architects and builders of our new stadiums could possibly place their lights below the roof line and point them to the ground only.
Street lighting exists that illuminates perfectly the pavements and road without much impingement upon the sky. Office buildings leave their lights on all night, with no thought of the waste of power, as if they say our buildings are more important than the stars.
Light pollution comes from city living. I am told if you want to see the stars you need to go to the west of Qatar, or to Tibet, the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean. I have over the last 20 years fortunately lived in an area without any light pollution; I do not know the stars, but I love them. On clear nights, I would sit out in awe and amazement. How will our children become entranced with the beauty of our heavens when we have denied them the wonders of the night sky.
Michael Franses, [email protected]
Expedition seeks support
Dear Sir,
In summer this year, my sister, who is an ex-resident of Qatar, a student of Qatar Academy and an avid Reach Out To Asia volunteer, will undertake an expedition to Samloem, Cambodia, to conduct research on the local flora and fauna. The information gleaned from the research will be used to educate and incorporate the local community in hopes of sustaining the natural wildlife on the island, providing jobs and enhancing education.
The team is looking to raise funding and awareness for their project and are looking for sponsors and support for their expedition.
Riona, my sister, is passionate about wildlife and is currently undertaking a zoology degree in the United Kingdom. She hopes one day to return to Qatar and promote the local wildlife and marine life in the country that she loves.
More information can be found at: http://www.expeditionsamloem.org/
Taryn Bray, [email protected]
Better provision for pedestrians
Dear Sir,
I am a newcomer in Doha and greatly enjoy this clean and exciting city.
Until such time as I obtain a local driving licence, I am getting around by taxi and sometimes on foot. A little more provision for pedestrians would enhance Doha even further, especially in the matter of crossing busy roads safely (dedicated walkways; controlled crossings; underpasses; and foot bridges spring to mind).
Neil Macfarlane, Doha English Speaking School, PO Box 7660, Doha
Please send us your letters
By e-mail: [email protected]
Fax 44350474