Latest news with #IDSP
Scoop
4 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
UC Research Aims To Shed Light On Dark Skies
Press Release – University of Canterbury A new UC study is turning its gaze to the stars not for space travel, but to help protect Indigenous knowledges tied to the night sky. Ever noticed how few stars you'll see when you're visiting a big city? That's the result of light pollution that stems from tightly clustered streetlights, buildings, homes and other urban infrastructure, not to mention an increasing number of satellites. It's a growing issue that not only dims our view of the cosmos but also limits our connection to stories and traditions written in the stars. As recipient of the Borrin Foundation's 2025 Travel and Learning Award, Dr Shea Esterling of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Te Kaupeka Tura | Faculty of Law will be exploring International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia this year. DarkSky International defines IDSPs as certified global locations with naturally dark skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Takapō, home to UC's Mount John Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research centre, is one of nine officially recognised IDSPs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research funding awarded will enable Dr Esterling to investigate how IDSPs are regulated and how best to protect them, not just for astronomy, but as vital components of our shared cultural heritage. Her study will explore how law and policy can help preserve dark skies, particularly in a time when space activity is accelerating but legislation hasn't quite caught up. While Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed the creation of a public holiday around Matariki, Dr Esterling identifies a crucial contradiction. 'We've made Matariki a national holiday, which is incredible, yet local councils often celebrate it with drone shows and light festivals — which ironically make the stars harder to see. You can't enjoy Matariki without being able to see the stars.' Beyond cultural and environmental value, the protection of our IDSPs also offers economic potential. Stargazing and astrophotography experiences draw increasing numbers of visitors to these special and unique areas. The Mount John Observatory benefits directly from these groups. Observatory tours managed by the Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism, offer visitors exclusive mountaintop stargazing in hopes of igniting a lasting impression for dark sky preservation. With the potential to inform or steer policy around the protection of these spaces, Dr Esterling's research may be valuable in also supporting sustainable tourism, and local livelihoods. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a colleague who first introduced her to the concept of IDSPs. As a lawyer, Dr Esterling was quick to ask: 'Who gets to define these places, what's the process, and who's involved in those decisions?' This curiosity turned into a broader investigation, and Dr Esterling is now working on legislation that could bridge the legal gap between space development and cultural protection. She's particularly focused on how Indigenous knowledges — especially mātauranga Māori and Aboriginal astronomy — can be embedded in respective legal frameworks. 'The project is really a conduit — a platform for Indigenous voices and knowledges to be heard and recognised. I want to be guided by the people I interview. What matters to them? What do they want policymakers to understand?' Her fieldwork will include site visits and interviews at 13 certified dark sky locations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Special attention will be paid to the voices of Indigenous women, who often act as knowledge holders in their communities. With a new Ministry for Space, recent space-related legislation, and increased activity from private space companies, the timing of this research feels particularly poignant. Dr Esterling also sees a broader pattern playing out — a global backlash against scientific and expert voices, placing Indigenous worldviews and traditions at a greater risk of being overlooked. 'If we lose dark skies, we lose crucial aspects of Indigenous knowledges and identity,' she says. 'We don't need more cars flying into space. The stars should be enough, shouldn't they?'
Scoop
4 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
UC Research Aims To Shed Light On Dark Skies
Press Release – University of Canterbury A new UC study is turning its gaze to the stars not for space travel, but to help protect Indigenous knowledges tied to the night sky. Ever noticed how few stars you'll see when you're visiting a big city? That's the result of light pollution that stems from tightly clustered streetlights, buildings, homes and other urban infrastructure, not to mention an increasing number of satellites. It's a growing issue that not only dims our view of the cosmos but also limits our connection to stories and traditions written in the stars. As recipient of the Borrin Foundation's 2025 Travel and Learning Award, Dr Shea Esterling of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Te Kaupeka Tura | Faculty of Law will be exploring International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia this year. DarkSky International defines IDSPs as certified global locations with naturally dark skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Takapō, home to UC's Mount John Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research centre, is one of nine officially recognised IDSPs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research funding awarded will enable Dr Esterling to investigate how IDSPs are regulated and how best to protect them, not just for astronomy, but as vital components of our shared cultural heritage. Her study will explore how law and policy can help preserve dark skies, particularly in a time when space activity is accelerating but legislation hasn't quite caught up. While Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed the creation of a public holiday around Matariki, Dr Esterling identifies a crucial contradiction. 'We've made Matariki a national holiday, which is incredible, yet local councils often celebrate it with drone shows and light festivals — which ironically make the stars harder to see. You can't enjoy Matariki without being able to see the stars.' Beyond cultural and environmental value, the protection of our IDSPs also offers economic potential. Stargazing and astrophotography experiences draw increasing numbers of visitors to these special and unique areas. The Mount John Observatory benefits directly from these groups. Observatory tours managed by the Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism, offer visitors exclusive mountaintop stargazing in hopes of igniting a lasting impression for dark sky preservation. With the potential to inform or steer policy around the protection of these spaces, Dr Esterling's research may be valuable in also supporting sustainable tourism, and local livelihoods. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a colleague who first introduced her to the concept of IDSPs. As a lawyer, Dr Esterling was quick to ask: 'Who gets to define these places, what's the process, and who's involved in those decisions?' This curiosity turned into a broader investigation, and Dr Esterling is now working on legislation that could bridge the legal gap between space development and cultural protection. She's particularly focused on how Indigenous knowledges — especially mātauranga Māori and Aboriginal astronomy — can be embedded in respective legal frameworks. 'The project is really a conduit — a platform for Indigenous voices and knowledges to be heard and recognised. I want to be guided by the people I interview. What matters to them? What do they want policymakers to understand?' Her fieldwork will include site visits and interviews at 13 certified dark sky locations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Special attention will be paid to the voices of Indigenous women, who often act as knowledge holders in their communities. With a new Ministry for Space, recent space-related legislation, and increased activity from private space companies, the timing of this research feels particularly poignant. Dr Esterling also sees a broader pattern playing out — a global backlash against scientific and expert voices, placing Indigenous worldviews and traditions at a greater risk of being overlooked. 'If we lose dark skies, we lose crucial aspects of Indigenous knowledges and identity,' she says. 'We don't need more cars flying into space. The stars should be enough, shouldn't they?'
Scoop
4 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
UC Research Aims To Shed Light On Dark Skies
Ever noticed how few stars you'll see when you're visiting a big city? That's the result of light pollution that stems from tightly clustered streetlights, buildings, homes and other urban infrastructure, not to mention an increasing number of satellites. It's a growing issue that not only dims our view of the cosmos but also limits our connection to stories and traditions written in the stars. As recipient of the Borrin Foundation's 2025 Travel and Learning Award, Dr Shea Esterling of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Te Kaupeka Tura | Faculty of Law will be exploring International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia this year. DarkSky International defines IDSPs as certified global locations with naturally dark skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Takapō, home to UC's Mount John Observatory, a world-renowned astronomical research centre, is one of nine officially recognised IDSPs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research funding awarded will enable Dr Esterling to investigate how IDSPs are regulated and how best to protect them, not just for astronomy, but as vital components of our shared cultural heritage. Her study will explore how law and policy can help preserve dark skies, particularly in a time when space activity is accelerating but legislation hasn't quite caught up. While Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed the creation of a public holiday around Matariki, Dr Esterling identifies a crucial contradiction. 'We've made Matariki a national holiday, which is incredible, yet local councils often celebrate it with drone shows and light festivals — which ironically make the stars harder to see. You can't enjoy Matariki without being able to see the stars.' Beyond cultural and environmental value, the protection of our IDSPs also offers economic potential. Stargazing and astrophotography experiences draw increasing numbers of visitors to these special and unique areas. The Mount John Observatory benefits directly from these groups. Observatory tours managed by the Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism, offer visitors exclusive mountaintop stargazing in hopes of igniting a lasting impression for dark sky preservation. With the potential to inform or steer policy around the protection of these spaces, Dr Esterling's research may be valuable in also supporting sustainable tourism, and local livelihoods. Her interest in the issue was sparked by a colleague who first introduced her to the concept of IDSPs. As a lawyer, Dr Esterling was quick to ask: 'Who gets to define these places, what's the process, and who's involved in those decisions?' This curiosity turned into a broader investigation, and Dr Esterling is now working on legislation that could bridge the legal gap between space development and cultural protection. She's particularly focused on how Indigenous knowledges — especially mātauranga Māori and Aboriginal astronomy — can be embedded in respective legal frameworks. 'The project is really a conduit — a platform for Indigenous voices and knowledges to be heard and recognised. I want to be guided by the people I interview. What matters to them? What do they want policymakers to understand?' Her fieldwork will include site visits and interviews at 13 certified dark sky locations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Special attention will be paid to the voices of Indigenous women, who often act as knowledge holders in their communities. With a new Ministry for Space, recent space-related legislation, and increased activity from private space companies, the timing of this research feels particularly poignant. Dr Esterling also sees a broader pattern playing out — a global backlash against scientific and expert voices, placing Indigenous worldviews and traditions at a greater risk of being overlooked. 'If we lose dark skies, we lose crucial aspects of Indigenous knowledges and identity,' she says. 'We don't need more cars flying into space. The stars should be enough, shouldn't they?'
United News of India
4 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
20 Covid cases in Manipur; Governor reviews preparedness
States » East Imphal, June 16 (UNI) Manipur has 20 Covid cases with addition of seven new cases on Monday. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a Covid-19 review meeting at the Conference Hall, Raj Bhavan. The review was held in view of recent directives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, on enhanced preparedness amid rising concerns of a possible Covid-19 resurgence. Officials briefed the Governor on the state's preparedness, including diagnostics, protective equipment, oxygen supply, ICU and isolation wards, essential drugs, and the IDSP–IHIP portal. Challenges related to testing capacity, medical supplies and hospital readiness were also discussed. Governor advised the importance of proactive measures, adequate medical infrastructure, and community awareness to ensure the state remains equipped to handle any potential surge in Covid cases. UNI NS RN
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune accounts for 38% of Maha's ILI & SARI cases
Pune has emerged as the worst-affected district in Maharashtra for cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), accounting for over a third of the state's total caseload. However, officials claim that precise reporting is the reason behind this large number of cases. According to official data from the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) of the state health department, Maharashtra recorded a total 142,474 cases of ILI and SARI between January 1 and June 11, 2025 with Pune district alone accounting for 54,371 cases which is approximately 38% of the total cases. During the same period, the state reported 753 cases of SARI, 597 (79%) of which were reported by Pune district alone, officials said. Dr Sachin Desai, Pune district health officer, said that the reason behind the large number of cases is the reporting in Pune district. 'All cases are regularly updated on the portal, and there is no underreporting of cases. However, no deaths have been reported amongst these infected patients,' he said. According to health experts, the large number of cases is worrying and maybe linked to multiple factors such as climate variations, urban density, air quality, and delayed medical intervention. Dr Abhijeet Lodha, physician at Ruby Hall Clinic, said that those with existing co-morbidities and the elderly should regularly take influenza vaccines and infected patients must follow hygiene and use face masks in public places. 'The spikes in respiratory illnesses are often aggravated during seasonal transitions and by rising pollution levels. The monsoon, with its damp and humid conditions, only worsens the situation,' Dr Lodha said. As per data provided by the public health department, Pune district reported the highest number of ILI cases this year followed by Jalgaon with 18,435 cases and Ahilya Nagar with 9,903 cases. Similarly, Pune reported the highest number of SARI cases (597) followed by Solapur (31) and Nagpur (29). A senior health official from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on request of anonymity said, 'The cases have gone up and the surge in cases can be attributed to the pollution and weather change. 'Many people from nearby districts like Sangli, Satara, Solapur, Ahilya Nagar and Kolhapur also come for treatment to Pune which adds to the total number. Besides, there is more awareness among people coming forward to report if they have any symptoms.' Dr Avdhut Bodamwad of Lopmudra Hospital said that more ILI and SARI cases are likely to be reported due to the onset of the monsoon and that citizens should take all precautionary measures and stay safe. 'During the monsoon, temperature variations take place and we can expect an increase in such cases. Considering the current situation in Pune, it is important to differentiate between Covid-19 positive patients and those who are not. Individuals at high risk should get tested immediately if they have any such symptoms and should not attribute it to weather change,' he said.
