LEDs and Astronomy

Abstract

Using a Czerny-Turner spectrometer, 45 different types of outdoor lights were categorized. These spectra were used to determine how useful the light is to human eyes and how dark skies friendly these lights are. Dark skies friendly lighting means that little to no light shines above a right angle to the light, and should emit as little as possible below 500nm (green) wavelengths. The short wavelengths present a problem to astronomers in the form of Rayleigh scattering. The following criterion were used in selecting the best source for urban and rural lighting: color rendition measured by color rendering index (CRI), percentage of light scattered because it is emitted under 500 nm, and efficiency (lumens/watt). Analysis determined that the best option currently available is to add a 495-500 nm filter to existing and future white LEDs in cities

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