International Year of Light 2015

January 2015  :  Francine Jackson

It seems as if there’s always something to celebrate, a day, week, month, dedicated to a cause, or a concern, or just a way of remembering. For 2015, in what could be considered a surprise, and hopefully valuable move, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has declared this year as the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies. At first, this title didn’t really seem to belong to groups such as ours, but looking through much of the information there does seem to be targets for us.

Unfortunately, the opening ceremonies are January 19-20, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, so no one I’m aware of will be attending; however, the press release notes that this ceremony will “introduce all the key themes of the year, and will aim to inspire activities and events worldwide for the following 12 months.” Most interesting for us is that, although “Light-Based Technologies” is included in the title, topics do include light pollution, innovative lighting solutions for society, and the role of light-based technologies in addressing global challenges, including science policy. 

Believe it or not, this dedication is a follow-up to the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. Apparently, it was felt that so much interest in the sky was generated that year that a supporting program was necessary. The Year of Light’s mission is “a global initiative that will highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures, and for the development of society.” Although much of the information on the UNESCO web site is still rather sketchy, Skyscrapers, Inc., as an organization dedicated to the continuation of observing and enjoying the beauty of the night sky, should grasp this International Year of Light and do what we can for it.

As more about this comes out – and I have to assume there will be a real rollout of many of the goals after the opening ceremonies – let us begin to think of ways to celebrate light, both good and bad, as this 2015 commences. Also, as more information is released, let us try to join with organizations around the world in whatever we can do to be a part of what could become a valuable worldwide cause.