Please note that this session was withdrawn and is no longer available in the respective programme. This withdrawal might have been the result of a merge with another session.
ODAC6 | Protecting Astronomical Observatories from Modern Interference

ODAC6

Protecting Astronomical Observatories from Modern Interference
Conveners: Sarunas Mikolaitis, Giuseppe Cimo
Documents from international organizations like the IAU, EAS, UN, and EU, address light pollution and radio frequency interference in broad terms. They focus on general environmental effects or the protection of the night sky and radio spectrum. These guidelines are often designed for large facilities in remote areas. They rarely apply to smaller optical and radio telescopes in semi-urban locations. Local observatories face immediate threats from nearby streetlights and local telecommunication antennas. Global satellite constellations present an entirely different problem that is become an urgent issue to address at several levels.

This session will develop practical guidance to protect observatories from intrusive lighting and radio interference. We invite speakers to share legal precedents and practical experiences from their facilities. We welcome presentations detailing local or national legal protections, designated dark sky or radio quiet zones, and the exact restrictions enforced by authorities. Case studies covering the treatment of zoning violations or negotiations with commercial satellite and telecom operators are highly encouraged.

This collection of case studies is the first step toward building a shared resource. It outlines concrete measures for safeguarding observatories from light pollution and radio spectrum interference. This information will support facilities currently negotiating with local authorities or commercial operators.