Rimska cesta posneta 4. maja 2008 iz otoka Lastovo s fotoaparatom Canon EOS 20D in 8mm f/4 vsenebnim objektivom pri ISO 1600. Slika je zložena iz dveh 3-minutnih zaporednih posnetkov. Nebo nad Lastovom je izjemno temno zato se v morju vidi odboj Jupitra in celo odboj svetlobe iz središča naše Galaksije v ozvezdju Strelca. Izjemen prizor, ki smo mu lahko priča malokje, morda le na Lastovu! Čeprav je Lastovo sredi Jadranskega morja in daleč naokrog ni večjih naselij pa je na posnetku jasno vidno svetlobno onesnaženje, ki prihaja iz 100 km oddaljenega Dubrovnika (vzhodno obzorje) ter skoraj 200 km oddaljene italijanske obale (jugozahodno obzorje). Dokaz, da svetloba iz nezasenčenih svetilk onesnažuje nebo stotine kilometrov daleč.

Rimska cesta posneta 4. maja 2008 iz otoka Lastovo s fotoaparatom Canon EOS 20D in 8mm f/4 vsenebnim objektivom pri ISO 1600. Slika je zložena iz dveh 3-minutnih zaporednih posnetkov. Nebo nad Lastovom je izjemno temno zato se v morju vidi odboj Jupitra in celo odboj svetlobe iz središča naše Galaksije v ozvezdju Strelca. Izjemen prizor, ki smo mu lahko priča malokje, morda le na Lastovu! Čeprav je Lastovo sredi Jadranskega morja in daleč naokrog ni večjih naselij pa je na posnetku jasno vidno svetlobno onesnaženje, ki prihaja iz 100 km oddaljenega Dubrovnika (vzhodno obzorje) ter skoraj 200 km oddaljene italijanske obale (jugozahodno obzorje). Dokaz, da svetloba iz nezasenčenih svetilk onesnažuje nebo stotine kilometrov daleč.''||

Rimska cesta posneta 4. maja 2008 iz otoka Lastovo s fotoaparatom Canon EOS 20D in 8mm f/4 vsenebnim objektivom pri ISO 1600. Slika je zložena iz dveh 3-minutnih zaporednih posnetkov. Nebo nad Lastovom je izjemno temno zato se v morju vidi odboj Jupitra in celo odboj svetlobe iz središča naše Galaksije v ozvezdju Strelca. Izjemen prizor, ki smo mu lahko priča malokje, morda le na Lastovu! Čeprav je Lastovo sredi Jadranskega morja in daleč naokrog ni večjih naselij pa je na posnetku jasno vidno svetlobno onesnaženje, ki prihaja iz 100 km oddaljenega Dubrovnika (vzhodno obzorje) ter skoraj 200 km oddaljene italijanske obale (jugozahodno obzorje). Dokaz, da svetloba iz nezasenčenih svetilk onesnažuje nebo stotine kilometrov daleč.''||

onesnažuje nebo stotine kilometrov daleč.''||

Also note that typical integration times with Unihedron SQM were 5-6 seconds at Črni Vrh, while on Lastovo lasted twice longer (11-12 seconds).

Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Long. 16o52' East, Lat. +42o45' North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrome at an altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon. Unfortunately there are floodlights of several kilowatts near the observing site which need to be switched off for undisturbed observations.

Although our night sky monitoring on Lastovo was limited to only three nights, there is strong evidence that the sky is very dark, no doubt one of the darkest in Europe. Some light pollution is arriving from urban areas in Dalmatian and Italian coast as well as from towns/villages on Lastovo and Korcula. Because of growing tourism, state and local authorities should consider to protect this nice location from LP in future. Action should be undertaken on two levels: if Croatia will adopt similar law as Slovenia (zero emission over the 90o), the LP will be efficiently controlled. A less effective possibility would be to adopt the law in local Lastovo commune. This would at least reduce emission from local unshielded light sources. Most of outside lighting in Lastovo, Ubli, Skrivena Luka and Pasadur is very old and need to be replaced in near future. Now it is nice opportunity to choose and set up fully shielded lamps and help to preserve this excellent location to future generations. Lastovo has a good potential to became a European center of astro tourism which is not limited only to summer but would be of interest all over the year.

Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o52' East, +42o45' North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrome at an altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon. Unfortunately there are floodlights of several kilowatts near the observing site which need to be switched off for undisturbed observations.

Also note that typical integration times with Unihedron SQM were 5-6 seconds at Črni Vrh, while on Lastovo lasted twice longer (11-12 seconds).

Conclusions and suggestions for outside lighting improvements on Lastovo island

Dark Sky Slovenia would like to thank to Lucija Kapiteli, director of Lastovo Natural Park for her invaluable assistance during our visit that lead to successful completition of our observing program.

Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o52' East, +42o45' North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrome at an altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon.

Access from Ljubljana (Slovenia): distance Ljubljana - Split is 500 km (5-6 hours by car), distance from Split to Lastovo is 90 km or 4-5 hours by car ferry. Complete journey last about 11 hours.

Although our night sky monitoring on Lastovo was limited to only three nights, there is strong evidence that the sky is very dark, no doubt one of the darkest in Europe. Some light pollution is arriving from urban areas in Dalmatian and Italian coast as well as from towns/villages on Lastovo and Korcula. Because of growing tourism, state and local authorities should consider to protect this nice location from LP in future. Action should be undertaken on two levels: if Croatia will adopt similar law as Slovenia (zero emission over the 90o), the LP will be efficiently controlled. A less effective possibility would be to adopt the law in local Lastovo commune. This would at least reduce emission from local unshielded light sources. Most of outside lighting in Lastovo, Ubli, Skrivena Luka and Pasadur is very old and need to be replaced in near future. Now it is nice opportunity to choose and set up fully cut-off lamps and help to preserve this excellent location to future generations. Lastovo has a good potential to became a European center of astro tourism which is not limited only to summer but would be of interest all over the year.

Conclusions and suggestions for outside lighting improvements

Although our night sky monitoring on Lastovo was limited to only three nights, there is strong evidence that the sky is very dark, no doubt one of the darkest in Europe. Some light pollution is arriving from urban areas in Dalmatian and Italian coast as well as from towns/villages on Lastovo and Korcula. Because of growing tourism, state and local authorities should consider to protect this nice location from LP in future. Action should be undertaken on two levels: if Croatia will adopt similar law as Slovenia (zero emission over the 90o), the LP will be efficiently controlled. Another possibility is to adopt the law in local Lastovo commune. This would at least reduce emission from local unshielded light sources. Most of outside lighting in Lastovo is very old and need to be replaced in near future. Now it is nice opportunity to choose and set up fully cut-off lamps and help to preserve this excellent location to future generations.

Although the sky at Črni Vrh is relatively dark for continental Europe conditions (SQM = 21.1 - 21.3 magnitude), the difference in sky brightness is surprisingly high. It seems even larger than measured with SQM because there are bright areas of strong light pollution over most of horizon. Especeally East (Ljubljana) and W-SW area is badly polluted from densly populated region Friuli in NW Italy, some 50 km away. However these areas of sky are too low to be measured with Unihedron SQM. We may therefore conclude that the difference in global LP between Lastovo and Črni Vrh is even higher than measured with SQM. The skyglow near the horizon is particularly interefering observations of objects and sky regions at low elevations as we can see on images of Sagittarius star cloud, displayed below.

Split, population 220.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between. Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns. They are more than 20km away. Dubrovnik, about 100km away. Italian Adriatic coast (Bari) is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars on May 4th morning!

Dark Sky Slovenia would like to thank Lucija Kapiteli, director of Lastovo Natural Park for her invaluable assistance during our visit that lead to successful completition of our observing program.

Although our night sky monitoring on Lastovo was limited to only three nights, there is strong evidence that the sky is very dark, no doubt one of the darkest in Europe. Some light pollution arriving from urban areas from Dalmatian and Italian coast is not affecting severely. Anyway, it would be worth to consider to protect this nice location from LP in future. Action should be undertaken on two levels: if Croatia will adopt similar law as Slovenia (zero emission over the 90o), the LP will be efficiently controlled. Another possibility is to adopt the law in local Lastovo commune. This would at least reduce emission from local unshielded light sources. Most of outside lighting in Lastovo is very old and need to be replaced in near future. Now it is nice opportunity to choose and set up fully cut-off lamps and help to preserve this excellent location to future generations.

Please note that all photos are unprocessed at all - just downloaded jpeg's from DSLR camera and displayed here. Raw images were also obtained as well as dark and flat frames. They will be processed and displayed here as soon as possible. All images are copyrighted. They may be used for non commercial purposes, providing that credit is given to authors: H. Mikuž and A. Mohar, Dark Sky Slovenia.

Also note that typical integration times with Unihedron SQL were 5-6 seconds at Črni Vrh, while on Lastovo lasted twice longer (11-12 seconds).

Conclusions

Although our night sky monitoring on Lastovo was limited to only three nights, there is strong evidence that the sky is very dark, no doubt one of the darkest in Europe. Some light pollution arriving from urban areas from Dalmatian and Italian coast is not affecting severely. Anyway, it would be worth to consider to protect this nice location from LP in future. Action should be undertaken on two levels: if Croatia will adopt similar law as Slovenia (zero emission over the 90o), the LP will be efficiently controlled. Another possibility is to adopt the law in local Lastovo commune. This would at least reduce emission from local unshielded light sources. Most of outside lighting in Lastovo is very old and need to be replaced in near future. Now it is nice opportunity to choose and set up fully cut-off lamps and help to preserve this excellent location for future generations.

Acknowledgement

Dark Sky Slovenia would like to thank ...... director of Lastovo Natural Park for her invaluable assistance during our visit that lead to successful completition of our observing program.

Please note that all photos are unprocessed at all - just downloaded jpeg's from DSLR camera and displayed here. Raw images were also obtained as well as dark and flat frames. They will be processed and displayed here as soon as possible. All images are copyrighted. They may be used for non commercial purposes, providing that credit is given to authors: H. Mikuž and A. Mohar, Dark Sky Slovenia.

Please note that all photos are unprocessed at all - just downloaded jpeg's from DSLR camera and displayed here. Raw images were also obtained as well as dark and flat frames. They will be processed and displayed here as soon as possible. All images are copyrighted. They may be used for non commercial purposes, providing that credit is given to authors: H. Mikuž and A. Mohar, Dark Sky Slovenia.

Although the sky at Črni Vrh is relatively dark for continental Europe conditions (SQM = 21.25 magnitude), the difference in sky brightness is surprisingly high. It seems even larger than measured with SQM because there are bright areas of strong light pollution over most of horizon. Especeally East (Ljubljana) and W-SW area is badly polluted from densly populated region Friuli in NW Italy, some 50 km away. However these areas of sky are too low to be measured with Unihedron SQM. We may therefore conclude that the difference in global LP between Lastovo and Črni Vrh is even higher than measured with SQM. The skyglow near the horizon is particularly interefering observations of objects and sky regions at low elevations as we can see on images of Sagittarius star cloud, displayed below.

By using the same camera setup and settings, we obtained the all-sky images from Črni Vrh Observatory in Slovenia just 3 days after arrival from Lastovo and compared them. Results are displayed below.

Although the sky at Črni Vrh is relatively dark for continental Europe conditions (SQM = 21.25 magnitude), the difference in sky brightness is surprisingly high. It seems even larger than measured with SQM because there are bright areas of strong light pollution over most of horizon. Especeally East (Ljubljana) and W-SW area is badly polluted from densly populated region Friuli in NW Italy, some 50 km away. However these areas of sky are too low to be measured with Unihedron SQM. We may therefore conclude that the difference in global LP between Lastovo and Črni Vrh is much higher than measured with SQM. The skyglow near the horizon is particularly interefering observations of objects and sky regions at low elevations as we can see on images of Sagittarius star cloud, displayed below.

Also note that typical integration times with Unihedron SQL were 5-6 seconds at Črni Vrh, while on Lastovo lasted twice longer (11-12 seconds).

By using the same camera setup and settings, we obtained the all-sky images from Črni Vrh Observatory in Slovenia just 3 days after arrival from Lastovo and compared them. Results are displayed on images below.

Also note that typical integration times with Unihedron SQL are at Črni Vrh 5-6 seconds, while on Lastovo lasted twice longer (11-12 seconds).

Dark Sky Slovenia would like to thank ...... director of Lastovo Natural Park for her invaluable assistance during our visit that lead to successful completition of our observing program.

Since the island is far away from large urban areas and with population of only around 800, we expected exceptionally dark night sky. In September 2006, Lastovo and surrounding islands were designated the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park by Croatian Parliament.

Since the island is far away from large urban areas and with population of only around 800, we expected exceptionally dark night sky. In September 2006, Lastovo and surrounding islands was designated the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park.

Since the island is far away from large urban areas and with population of only around 800, we expected exceptionally dark night sky. In September 2006, the Lastovo archipelago was designated the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park.

Since the island is far away from large urban areas and with population of only around 800, we expected exceptionally dark night sky. In October 2006, the Lastovo archipelago was designated teh Nature Park.

Please note that all photos are unprocessed at all - just downloaded jpeg's from DSLR camera and displayed here. Raw images were also obtained as well as dark and flat frames. They will be processed and displayed here as soon as possible.

Please note that all photos are unprocessed at all - just downloaded JPEGs? from DSLR camera and displayed here. Raw images were also obtained as well as dark and flat frames. They will be processed and displayed here as soon as possible.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PHOTO WAS NOT PROCESSED AT ALL - NO PHOTOSHOP > - *IT IS JUST A NATURAL SKY*! > Dark frames and flats were also taken and we will provide process > photos in a few days with much better results.

By using the same camera setup, we obtained the all-sky images from Črni Vrh Observatory in Slovenia just 3 days after arrival from Lastovo and compared them.

Lastovo, May 4 2008	Črni Vrh Observatory May 7, 2008
3-min@ISO 1000	3-min@ISO 1000

Acknowledgement

Dark Sky Slovenia is thankful to ...... director of Lastovo Natural Park.

Access from Ljubljana (Slovenia): distance Ljubljana - Split is 500 km (5-6 hours by car), distance from Split to Lastovo is 90 km or 4-5 hours by car ferry. Complete journey last about 11 hours.

report prepared by Herman Mikuž and Andrej Mohar

prepared by Herman Mikuž and Andrej Mohar

Access from Ljubljana: distance Ljubljana - Split is 500 km (5-6 hours by car), distance from Split to Lastovo is 90 km or 4-5 hours by car ferry. Complete journey last about 11 hours.

Since the island is far away from large urban areas and with population of only around 800, we expected exceptionally dark night sky.

Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o52' East, +42o45' North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrome at an altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon.

Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars on May 4th morning!

During the April. 30. - May 4, 2008, a group of DS Slovenia members visited Island Lastovo in southern Adriatic. The aim of visit was to check the quality of night sky over Lastovo and verify it by obtaining images and instrumental measurements. Since the island is far away from large urban areas and with population of only around 800, we expected it should have exceptionally dark night sky.

''||

Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o52' East, +42o45' North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrom at a sea altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon.

Results of night sky monitoring, May 3 2008

Results of night sky monitoring, May 1 2008

Results of night sky monitoring, May 1-4 2008

Split, population 220.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between. Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.

Results of night sky monitoring

Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between. Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns. Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

Nearest cities and main artificial light sources

Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between.

Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.

Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

Nearest cities and major artificial light sources

• 
  Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between.
• 
  Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.
• 
  Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between.
Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.
Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

1. 
   Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between.
2. 
   Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.
3. 
   Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

• 
  Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between.

• 
  Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers. Fortunately far away and hidden by islands in between.

Nearest cities and major artificial light sources

Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o15'30" East, +43o15'20" North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrom at a sea altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon.

• 
  Nearest cities and major artificial light sources
• 
  Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers.
• 
  Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.
• 
  Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

*Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers.
*Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns.
*Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

Split, population 100.000 and rest of Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers

During the April. 30. - May 4, 2008, s group of DS Slovenia members visited Island Lastovo in southern Adriatic. The aim of visit was to check the quality of night sky over Lastovo and verify it by obtaining images and instrumental measurements. Since the island is in remote location, far away from big urban areas with population of only around 800, we expected it should have exceptionally dark night sky.
Observing Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o15'30" East, +43o15'20" North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrom at a sea altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. From NE to SW the visibility is down to the sea line and due to significant altitude, even a bit below the mathematical horizon.

Nearest cities and major artificial light sources
Split, population 100.000 and Dalmatian Coast with developing tourist centers
Islands Korčula, Hvar, Brač have only few smaller towns
Italian Adriatic coast is 180 km away. Surprisingly, outside lighting installations were clearly visible with binoculars!

Access from Ljubljana: distance Ljubljana - Split is 500 km (5-6 hours by car), distance from Split to Lastovo is about 80 km or 4-5 hours by car ferry. Complete journey last about 11 hours.

Observing Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o15'30" East, +43o15'20" North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrom at a sea altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. Due to the altitude, the visibility from NE to SW is a bit below the mathematical horizon.
Access from Ljubljana: distance Ljubljana - Split is 500 km (5-6 hours by car), distance from Split to Lastovo is about 80 km or 4-5 hours by car ferry.

ASTRO LOCATIONS

Expedition of Dark Sky Slovenia to Lastovo Island, Croatia - May 2008

During the April. 30. - May 4, 2008, s group of DS Slovenia members visited Island Lastovo in southern Adriatic. The aim of our visit was to check the quality of night sky over Lastovo and verify it by obtaining images and instrumental measurements. Since the island is in remote location far away from big urban areas with population of only around 800, we expected it should have really dark night sky.

Observing Site Location: southern Adriatic Sea, Lat. 16o15'30" East, +43o15'20" North. Observing site is situated on a heliodrom at a sea altitude 400 m with clear horizon almost in all directions. The maximum obstructions are about 5 degrees toward the North and West. Due to the altitude, the visibility from NE to SW is a bit below the mathematical horizon.
Access from Ljubljana: distance Ljubljana - Split is 500 km (5-6 hours by car), distance from Split to Lastovo is about 80 km or 4-5 hours by car ferry.