world year of physics ... should know better

I believe
that the steering group did not think that we would get such a reaction
from astronomers. It was an appealing idea, but it is not worth making
enemies from the people who are, or should be, our friends.

[/quote]

I think this is a typo, I think he meant to say "appalling" idea. If these guys should be our friends, then why is there such a moany tone in this reply. It was a stupid idea, people told him that, and they had to pull it. Let them have the grace to say they were wrong.

Well done to Al and everyone else who championed our cause.

And this from the Irish IoP, I had contacted Ian Elliot as soon as I heard about the project.

Many thanks for your email stating concerns and objections to the "Physics enlightens the
World" proposed project and please forgive my own deficiency of awareness of the major concerns of physicists and astronomers.

I had passed this on to Ian Elliott (who did mention the light pollution concerns) and also to our IOPI committee - none of the committee responded to me (!) so I doubt anyone has taken it on - I certainly haven't heard about anyone who was interested. I have emailed the committee with your comments advising us not to participate in this so I hope this is sufficient to 'stall' things at this stage. Thank you again for informing me about this.

And the coverage from the BCC on the UK IOP decision

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/3552228.stm

Cheers,
~Al

www.guardian.co.uk/life/news/story/0,12976,1313423,00.html

As predicted the media have caught on to the event.