This is a photo of “my first” telescope (1977) which I was using that night, as described below. I no longer have the scope, but sold it many years ago to get a larger aperture telescope. My second scope was 6-inch Criterion RV-6, and from there about 15 other telescopes, to-date.
And to make it even more interesting…the telescope pictured below was made in my rented house at the time. It was built in 1927, had no insulation, and just about froze to death in the winters. It was in the back yard of this old house, that I made my discovery of M81/82.
I had just started working my first “real job” a year earlier, and my budget was tight. And the reason, I was unable to purchase the Edmund 6-inch f/8 Super Space Conquerer, which was the telescope I really wanted.
Fortunately, both my life and financial state did eventually improve, which allowed me to purchase more and more telescopes and equipment over the years to follow.
My wife Debbie, and I had lunch on Thursday (May 5th 2022) with Mario Motta and his wife, Joyce, from Massachusetts.
Left to right:Mario and Joyce, and to the right, myself and Debbie….
Mario and I had communicated about three months earlier, concerning his presentation at an AMA meeting in Charlotte and a possible lunch meeting. (Mario is a cardiologist and trustee of the American Medical Association) and was scheduled to give a presentation at that meeting.
Charlotte is only about an hours drive from our home.
So, Deb and I picked out an “authentic” Italian restaurant (within walking distance of the Sheraton Hotel) to avoid Mario and his wife having to drive. All worked out perfect, and I thought the food and wine were great! (The restaurant: Mama Ricotta’s@ 601 S. Kings Dr.Charlotte, NC)
Mario is also an amateur astronomer and has been for many years (as myself) and the following is a photo of his telescope and home observatory in Massachusetts.
An advocate of proper outdoor lighting: Mario wrote the official AMA article/paper concerning the negative “health hazards” on humans, but also wildlifeand the entire ecosystem.
An example of his astronomy work: The “Famous” Horsehead Nebula. To see more of his extraordinary deep-sky images go to his site: https://www.mariomottamd.com/
Outdoor Street Lighting, Glare, and Circadian Rhythm Disturbance: human health and environmental effects.
It is now well established that lighting can effect both human health through circadian rhythm disturbance, and the environment though light pollution. I am happy to say that the AMA has had a beneficial and significant impact by two reports, light pollution: adverse health effects of nighttime lighting (2012), detailing the adverse health effects on human health and the environment, and Human and Environmental effects of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Community Lighting (2016). this last report has led most cities in the US and across the globe to reject 4000K lighting in favor of 3000K lighting, and thus changed and averted major environmental damage. these are available for review and downloading with a number of scientifically published peer reviewed papers.
New: IES (Illuminating engineering society), now has changed its guidelines. Their new new Illuminating Engineering Society roadway and parking lot standards document: RP-8-18 has now come to be more consistent with AMA recommendations, which were published well before the IES changed its recommendations.
NEW: UN report on light pollution issues
Final UN report on light pollution and human health I was involved with has been submitted to the general assembly, hopefully this will lead to international cooperation, and.. The UN recommendations are consistent with AMA policy !!
Comments:Comments Off on Having Lunch With Mario and Joyce Motta In Charlotte: Mario is Well known In The Astronomy Community For His Fabulous Deep-Sky Images. However, He Is Best Known For His Advocation Of Proper Outdoor Lighting, And Wrote The Official AMA Paper Concerning the Human Health Hazards Of Light Pollution.
rogerivester.com 
Recent Comments