Star bright

In a victory for star gazers, the Czech Republic has become the first nation to bring in a law against light pollution. As well as restricting chemical pollution, the Protection of the Atmosphere Act will limit the amount of artificial light leaking out of areas it’s intended for, especially if it’s directed upwards. Astronomers say this could make stars appear dramatically brighter. The law will take effect in June, and both ordinary citizens and organisations will have to comply by using shielded fittings for outside lights. If they don’t, they will face fines of up to £3000.