The Vanishing Universe

What is the future of observational astronomy? The effect on astronomy of environmental degradation, from electromagnetic pollution to near-Earth space debris, and the broader implications of jeopardising this science are explored in this provoking review. Astronomy is acutely vulnerable to environmental pollution. This survey demonstrates, unequivocally, the destructive impact of civilisation on current observational astronomy and its future. International astronomers discuss the source and effect of electromagnetic pollution - from optical to radio wavelengths - and space debris. Together with specialists from industry, law and elsewhere, they go on to outline possible remedies and the legislation required for successful international regulation of the pollutants. These articles offer an authoritative survey of the pollutants and the steps necessary to regulate them. They provide an essential reference for the professional astronomer, environmentalist and concerned non-specialist.

Spis treści:
Introduction - the effect of civilisation on observational astronomy D. McNally
1. The frontiers of modern astronomy M. S. Longair
2. The aims of astronomy in science and the humanities, why astronomy must be protected P. Murdin
3. General principles of the right to uninterrupted activities in outer space B. Reijen
4. Light pollution - theft of the night D. L. Crawford
5. Impact and restriction of interference of light D. A. Schreudre
6. Adverse environmental impacts on astronomy, the case of improved street lighting D. T. Herbert
7. Light extinction in the atmosphere N. Laulainen
8. Environmental effects on astronomical observation J. Kovalevsky
9. Natural background radiation, the light from the night sky A. C. Levasseur-Regourd
10. Opening the radio window F. Graham-Smith
11. The threat to radio astronomy J. B. Whiteoak
12. Radio interference to passive scientific measurements, its causes and its cures R. M. Price
13. Radio astronomy in the radio environment C. Kirby and R. G. Struzak
14. Preserving wilderness areas in the radio spectrum P. A. Vanden Bout
15. Illustration of radio interference D. McNally
16. mm-Wave - the last virgin land M. Morimoto
17. The Mount Wilson story M. Bester, S. Baliunas, C. Shelton and L. Webster
18. Radio astronomy and the developing countries G. Swarup
19. The disappearance of the night sky D. Malin
20. The space debris environment of the earth W. Flury
21. Space debris observations, needs for new technology Y. Arimoto
22. Illustration of the effects of space debris D. McNalley
23. Space debris, how to improve the situation L. Perek.