Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society
and
The OU Department of Physics and Astronomy
and
The OU Department of Physics and Astronomy
2008 Astronomy Award
On Tuesday June 3, 2008 the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society and Ohio University's Department of Physics and Astronomy presented the City of Athens with the 2008 Friend of the Stars Award for its use of exterior light fixtures at the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The annual Friend of the Stars Award recognizes excellence in outdoor lighting, through use of astronomy-friendly fixtures that preserve our view of the night sky while providing effective exterior illumination.
"The fixtures employed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant are exemplary in directing light where it is needed," said Maryann Hartwick, President of the Astronomical Society. "They minimize upward-directed light." When unshielded light fixtures are used, the light traveling towards the sky scatters in the atmosphere, producing a glow that destroys our view of the Cosmos, Hartwick said.
Joseph Shields, Physics and Astronomy Department Chair, noted in addition that the fixtures are energy efficient, enabling the City to save money on its electrical bill. "The use of such fixtures is also an investment in the economic future of Athens," Shields said. "Our view of the night sky is part of the scenic beauty that attracts many visitors to southeast Ohio."
The Award was presented to city representatives at the Wastewater facility.
The City of Athen previously received the Friend of the Stars Award for outdoor lighting at the city's Recreation Center, and for the outdoor lighting ordinance adopted as part of the city code in 2004. Other past award recipients include Taylor Motors on Columbus Road, and Walmart.
The following were present:
Nick Carr, Director of Water and Sewer
Jeff Arnold, Plant Manager
Lisa Agriesti, Operator
Jeff Hanning, Operator
Paul Wiehl, Mayor
Paula Horan Moseley, Service Safety Director
Joe Shields, Chairman, OU Department of Physics and Astronomy
Maryann Hartwick, president SEOAS
George Eberts, SEOAS
Paul Grim, SEOAS
The Award
Presentation of award. From left to right: Paul Grim, Lisa Agriesti, George Eberts, Nick Carr, Jeff Hanning, Mayor Paul Wiehl, Dr. Joe Shields
Good Lighting at Wastewater Treatment plant
Maryann Hartwick, Paul Grim and Mayor Paul Wiehl
Mayor Wiehl and Joe Shields discuss finer points of good lighting
Service Safety Director, Paula Horan Moseley, holds award
