Carol Redford is the Founder and CEO of Astrotourism WA which she established in 2018, and she came to tell us all about its aims and objectives. Carol’s vision is to protect WA’s dark night sky by minimising light pollution so that our State’s astronomical strengths become a world-class asset that will attract many visitors in the future. Unfortunately light pollution around the globe is increasing by 2 to 10% per annum, but WA remains quite dark because of its size and relatively sparse population. Astrotourism WA has worked with 18 Local Governments to establish Stargazing Events in these nominated Astrotourism Towns, where on a clear and moonless night, the awe-inspiring Milky Way can be seen stretching from horizon to horizon. The State Government has issued a Dark Sky and Astrotourism Position Statement to provide a set of principles and flexible cost-neutral land use planning measures aimed at reducing pollution from dust and artificial light which can obscure the true night sky, but the introduction of LED lighting has provided a challenge because of the brightness and relatively low cost of this technology. LED lighting is also a considerable threat to wildlife, and so Astrotourism WA is working hard to mitigate the adverse effects of it. DarkSky International has been formed to work with communities, governments, and professionals in prioritising night sky protection and quality outdoor lighting. At the time of the total solar eclipse in April this year, Astrotourism WA organised 22 dark sky stargazing events and this received publicity in over 35 media outlets around the world. Carol (who is known as Galaxy Girl in astronomy circles!) wants Perth to be called the City of Star Light and to become the stargazing capital of the world.
