The Spectrum of Artificial Light Pollution Sources from 3800Å to 9800Å

High resolution spectra ( 1Å/pixel) obtained with the Coudé Feed spectrograph on Kitt Peak of five common outdoor lighting types are presented (high pressure sodium, low pressure sodium, mercury vapor, metal-halide and florescent). This dataset represents the highest resolution and largest range of spectral coverage for these types of lighting presented to date. These data, as well as a summary of their acquisition, are presented along with the means by which to obtain the reduced spectra for additional analysis and interpretation. The spectra clearly show the large number of emission lines present in the far-red region of the spectrum where the human eye is not sensitive (in some cases, >20% of the total flux). A brief discussion of the effect of these "invisible” lines on astronomical observation will be presented.

Technical support was provided by the International Dark Sky Association through the use of their collection of lighting fixtures.