Paris by Night
Description
As appeared on Astronomy Picture of the Day the triple conjunction of brilliant Venus (top), Jupiter, and a young crescent Moon is photographed over the city lights of Paris. The light pollution of Paris, known as the city of light, has left nothing in the sky but the brightest celestial objects. Taken from the top of the 210 meter tall Montparnasse skyscraper you can spot the looming Eiffel Tower, or the large domed structure of Les Invalides (right), or the colorfully lit elevated Metro train line gently curving toward picture center. You can even pick out the Arc de Triomphe close to the horizon on the right.
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Why don’t the words “light pollution” appear anywhere within the description. I see these photos posted on social media such as facebook with nothing but “ooohs, ahhhhs, and beautiful” for comments. What this photo represents is sadness; only the 3 brightest celestial objects are visible and not a single star. Yes, this is an excellent photo, but I think that TWAN needs to start emphasizing the damage done by light pollution whenever possible, no matter how “beautiful” the photograph.
March 31, 2012 at 11:00 amMr. Giroux,
If you will look in the column on the right side of the TWAN homepage, you will see a “Save Dark Skies” link, and the info found there will assure you that TWAN is as concerned about light pollution as anyone.
Regards,
Doug Zubneel
OwlEye Mobile Observatory
Kansas City Streetside Astronomers
TWAN
TWAN
March 31, 2012 at 11:43 amMr. Zubenel,
Thank you very much for your reply. What I’m getting at is that these photos end up all over the web and most viewers DO not bother to go any further than viewing the photo and reading the description that accompanies the image which makes no mention at all of light pollution. I realize that TWAN is concerned about dark skies. My point is that there should be information or at least a mention of the ill effects of light pollution that’s “attached” to each image that shows the effect of light pollution (such as this one) such that the general public becomes more aware of this insidious problem.
March 31, 2012 at 3:24 pmI’d like to thank TWAN for revising the caption of this photograph such that it points out the effects of light pollution.
March 31, 2012 at 4:00 pm