Tasmania's Ross is on a mission to become the first place in the state to be officially recognized as a 'dark sky' location by Dark Sky International. This ambitious project is driven by the passion of locals, particularly Marcus Rodrigues and Nigel Davies, who are determined to preserve the town's pristine night sky. With a rich history of stargazing and a community deeply connected to the cosmos, Ross is poised to make a significant impact on the world of astronomy and tourism.
A Passion for the Night Sky
Marcus Rodrigues' fascination with the cosmos began at a young age, sparked by the Comet Kohoutek in 1973. This early interest led him to seek out places with clearer night skies, eventually settling in Ross, Tasmania. The town's remote location, far from city lights, provides an ideal setting for stargazing and astrophotography.
Nigel Davies, a local resident and leader in the project, emphasizes the importance of preserving Ross' dark skies. The town's current darkness score of 21 on a 22-point scale is already impressive, but the goal is to achieve formal recognition from Dark Sky International.
A Community Effort
The project is a true community effort, with 99% support from residents and all local businesses on board. The main challenge lies in ensuring that external lighting complies with Dark Sky International's standards. This includes shielding street lamps to prevent light pollution and using warmer yellow lights.
Nigel Davies highlights the significance of the Northern Midlands Council's agreement to the accreditation's conditions and the implementation of a lighting management plan. However, securing funding remains a hurdle, requiring collaboration between the council and TasNetworks, the energy distributor.
A Win-Win Situation
The proposed pilot scheme between TasNetworks and the local council offers a potential solution. By replacing non-compliant lights with 'smart' dark-sky-friendly alternatives, Ross could achieve compliance while also generating substantial savings in power and maintenance costs. This initiative would also boost tourism, attracting visitors eager to experience the town's celestial wonders.
A Growing Astronomical Community
Ross has become a hub for astronomy enthusiasts, with residents like Scott Bennett, a visual artist who has dedicated the past 15 years to capturing the town's night sky. The community's passion for stargazing has grown significantly since the move, with many residents actively supporting the dark sky accreditation.
A Potential Roadmap
Tasmania Dark Sky president Landon Bannister believes that Ross' efforts could set a precedent for other communities in the state. The accreditation process provides a roadmap for preserving dark skies, and Tasmania has the potential to become a leader in this field. With the right support and funding, the state could have countless dark sky-accredited communities.
In conclusion, Ross' pursuit of dark sky accreditation is a testament to the power of community initiative and a deep connection to the natural world. As the project progresses, it will not only benefit the town but also inspire other regions to follow suit, contributing to a global effort to protect and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
