THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL REVIVAL ON DARK SKIES

In the early 1930’s Palomar Mountain was selected as the site for the California Insti-tute of Technology’s (Caltech) new 200-inch (5.1 meter) telescope. The brightening skies around Los Angeles and Mount Wilson meant that dark skies were a significant factor in this choice: The lack of people and development in the area meant that Palomar Mountain then competed for the darkest of observatory sites. Urbanization of Southern California has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of sky glow in the area with light intrusion from San Diego and other, nearer developments. In the 1980s, the Observatory and Caltech worked with civic groups and local governments to pass legislation to enforce low pressure sodium lighting in the vicinity of the Observatory, and to curb the growth of light pollution caused by urban development and expansion. Several Indian tribal lands surround Palomar Observatory, and lack of economic development in those areas helped perpetuate dark skies around the observatory. Fol-lowing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, however, there has been increas-ing economic development in the tribal areas. Further expansion followed arrangements made in 2004 with the State of California to permit more casinos and gambling in return for tax revenue. This has brought six casinos to the Observatory’s front door, with one more under construction. The casinos bring tremendous financial gain to the members of the tribes. However increased light pollution from casinos and associated developments are an increasing concern for astronomers and local people used to pristine skies. Each of these casinos is located less than 30 km from the Observatory. Although falling within the most stringent lighting code areas, local Indian lands and casinos are legally immune from local lighting ordinances. Nevertheless, we have achieved some success in limiting the impact of casinos on the Observatory, in sensitizing all residents to the environmental and cultural benefits of preserving dark skies, and in continuing to educate developers about efficient lighting practices