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The Artificial Sky Brightness in Europe Derived from DMSP Satellite Data

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2016

P. Cinzano ,
F. Falchi ,
C. D. Elvidge  and
K. E. Baugh
P. Cinzano*
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Astronomia, Università di Padova, vicolo dell'Osservatorio 5, I-35122 Padova, Italy
F. Falchi
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Astronomia, Università di Padova, vicolo dell'Osservatorio 5, I-35122 Padova, Italy
C. D. Elvidge
Affiliation:
Solar-Terrestrial Physics Division, NOAA National Geophysical Data Center, 3100 Marine Street, Boulder CO 80303
K. E. Baugh
Affiliation:
Solar-Terrestrial Physics Division, NOAA National Geophysical Data Center, 3100 Marine Street, Boulder CO 80303
*
1email: cinzano@pd.astro.it

Abstract

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We present maps of the artificial sky brightness in Europe in V band with a resolution of ~1 km. The aim is to understand the state of night sky pollution in Europe, to quantify the present situation and to allow future monitoring of trends. For each terrestrial site the artificial sky brightness in a given direction on the sky is obtained by integrating the contributions from each surface area in the surroundings, using detailed models of the propagation in the atmosphere of the upward light flux emitted by the area. The top-of-atmosphere light flux is measured by the Operational Linescan System of the Defence Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. The modelling technique, which was introduced and developed by Garstang, takes into account the extinction along light paths, double scattering of light from atmospheric molecules and aerosols, and Earth curvature. Use of this technique allows us to assess the aerosol content of the atmosphere.

Type
Part 2. Threats to Optical Astronomy
Information
Symposium - International Astronomical Union , Volume 196: Preserving the Astronomical Sky , 2001 , pp. 95 - 102
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2001 

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