133
Briefly, the law covers four fundamental aspects:
• Light pollution: the law regulates exterior illumination on the island of La
Palma and that part of the island of Tenerife directly facing La Palma.
• Radioelectric contamination: levels of electromagnetic radiation are established to prevent interference with the scientific equipment of the
Observatories that might harm observations.
• Atmospheric contamination: activities that might degrade the quality of
the atmosphere at the Observatories are controlled.
• Air routes: air traffic is regulated to prevent flights over the Observatories.
Fig. 14.2 An example of how light contamination drowns out starlight.
(Credit: IAC)
14 The Sky Law (1978–2017)
Briefly, the law covers four fundamental aspects:
• Light pollution: the law regulates exterior illumination on the island of La
Palma and that part of the island of Tenerife directly facing La Palma.
• Radioelectric contamination: levels of electromagnetic radiation are established to prevent interference with the scientific equipment of the
Observatories that might harm observations.
• Atmospheric contamination: activities that might degrade the quality of
the atmosphere at the Observatories are controlled.
• Air routes: air traffic is regulated to prevent flights over the Observatories.
Fig. 14.2 An example of how light contamination drowns out starlight.
(Credit: IAC)
14 The Sky Law (1978–2017)