Light Pollution's Impact On Aurora Borealis

Light pollution is a well-known issue for stargazers and aurora hunters alike. Caused by excess artificial light from buildings, cars, and streetlamps, light pollution obscures the night sky, drowning out celestial bodies and phenomena such as the aurora borealis. The Northern Lights, as they are commonly known, are the result of solar flares, sunspots, or storms sending charged particles into the Earth's atmosphere, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules to produce a dazzling light display. However, light pollution from cities and towns can scatter this atmospheric light, making it difficult to observe the aurora in all its glory. The impact of light pollution on the visibility of the aurora borealis is significant, with the artificial glow washing out the dimmer parts of the display and diminishing its vibrant colours and intricate details. To combat this issue, aurora watchers often seek out rural locations with minimal light pollution, where they can appreciate the full spectacle of the Northern Lights.

Light pollution is brighter than the aurora

Light pollution is a significant issue for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. The natural night sky is darkened by the presence of man-made light sources, such as street lamps, high-rise buildings, and gas flaring from petrochemical plants. This is particularly problematic for aurora hunters, as light pollution is often brighter than the aurora itself, washing out the colours and details of this natural spectacle.

On clear, moonless nights, the urban sky can be up to 23 times brighter than the natural level of darkness, making it extremely difficult to observe the night sky. This has affected the ability of 60% of Europeans to see the Milky Way and has also impacted the visibility of the aurora borealis. The artificial light from cities causes atmospheric light from stars, planets, and the moon to scatter, and this effect also occurs with the aurora borealis, making it harder to see and breaking it up.

The best way to combat this issue is to find locations with minimal light pollution. This may involve travelling to rural or secluded areas, away from big cities and factories. Dark sky discovery sites are ideal for aurora hunting, as they offer little to no light pollution, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora. Additionally, choosing nights with clear skies and dry air can reduce the glow from artificial lights and improve aurora visibility.

Light pollution not only affects our ability to appreciate the beauty of the night sky but may also have consequences for our health. It has been shown to impact the well-being of animals, including birds, bats, and fish. While it may not directly affect human health in the same way, the excess light from light pollution can interfere with our sleep patterns and disrupt our natural circadian rhythms.

Overall, light pollution is a significant issue that can make the aurora borealis fainter and more challenging to observe. By finding darker locations and reducing unnecessary artificial lighting, we can improve our chances of witnessing this dazzling natural phenomenon.

Light pollution washes out the aurora's colours

Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky due to man-made sources, such as street lamps, high-rise buildings, and gas flaring from petrochemical plants. It washes out the colours of the aurora borealis, making it harder to see. On clear, moonless nights, the urban sky can be up to 23 times brighter than the natural level of darkness. This has a significant impact on our ability to observe the night sky, and it is estimated that 60% of Europeans can no longer see the Milky Way because of light pollution.

The artificial light from cities causes atmospheric light from stars, planets, the moon, and the aurora borealis to scatter, making it harder to see. The brighter light from cities can also break up the aurora's light entirely, washing out the dimmer parts and diminishing the vibrant colours and details. The aurora's colours are caused by different gases in the Earth's atmosphere, which give off different colours when heated by the sun's particles. The green we see is from oxygen, while hints of purple, blue, or pink are caused by nitrogen.

To combat light pollution, people can turn off unnecessary lights, and companies can take action to reduce artificial light pollution. Light pollution maps can be used to find areas with reasonably dark skies, which are better for observing the aurora. The best places to see the aurora are in secluded, rural areas with little human habitation, minimising both light and air pollution.

Even on nights with high geomagnetic activity, light pollution from big cities can prevent people from seeing the aurora in the sky. However, the aurora borealis can sometimes be seen in cities within or near the Arctic Circle, such as Fairbanks, Alaska, and Tromsø, Norway, although light pollution makes the displays weaker.

Light pollution affects human health

Light pollution, defined as the "'inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light', has been shown to have harmful effects on human health. While it is often thought of as a nuisance for stargazers, the impact of light pollution on human health is significant and cannot be overlooked.

Humans have evolved to follow the natural light/dark cycle of day and night. However, with the proliferation of artificial light, our exposure to darkness has been drastically reduced. Research has shown that this exposure to artificial light at night can negatively impact human health in several ways.

One of the main ways light pollution affects human health is by disrupting the circadian rhythm, our internal biological clock. This disruption can lead to sleep disorders, depression, and other mood disorders. The production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and has antioxidant properties, is suppressed by exposure to artificial light at night. Additionally, light pollution has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, with studies showing a correlation between brighter residential nighttime lighting and reduced sleep times, dissatisfaction with sleep quality, and obesity.

Furthermore, light pollution has been associated with an elevated risk of certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, researchers believe that the disruption of the circadian rhythm and decreased melatonin production may play a role in accelerating tumor growth.

The effects of light pollution on human health are not limited to physical ailments but also extend to mental health. Studies have found a correlation between exposure to outdoor/indoor artificial light at night and mental disorders such as depression.

It is important to note that not all artificial light has the same impact on human health. Blue light, emitted by electronic devices and LED lighting, has been identified as a significant contributor to the negative effects of light pollution.

To mitigate the health risks associated with light pollution, it is recommended to minimize exposure to artificial light at night, especially blue light. This can be achieved by using dimmers, lower-CCT light bulbs, and color temperature apps that adjust the lighting on electronic devices according to the time of day.

While light pollution may not have the same visible impact as other forms of environmental pollution, it is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for human health. Further research and public awareness are needed to address this growing problem and implement effective measures to reduce light pollution and its impact on our well-being.

Light pollution breaks up the aurora

Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky due to man-made sources such as street lamps, high-rise buildings, and gas flaring from petrochemical plants. It is a well-known foe of aurora hunters, and it can affect the chances of seeing the aurora borealis. Light pollution can wash out the colours and details of the aurora, making it harder to see. The artificial light from cities causes atmospheric light from stars, planets, the moon, or the Northern Lights to scatter, breaking up the aurora entirely.

The effects of light pollution on the aurora are more pronounced in larger cities, where the excess light can make auroras more difficult to see. In some cases, strong auroras can still be observed in cities within or near the Arctic Circle, such as Fairbanks, Alaska, and Tromsø, Norway. However, light pollution in these locations weakens the aurora displays and can even shut out weak auroras completely.

To combat light pollution when trying to view the aurora, it is best to find a location with relatively low light pollution. This may involve travelling to rural or secluded areas away from big cities or factories. Dark and clear nights, preferably with little to no moonlight, offer the best chance of seeing the aurora without the interference of light pollution.

Additionally, when planning to photograph the aurora, it is important to consider the impact of artificial light in the frame. While minor artificial light sources can add points of interest to the composition, any light source at night becomes a dominant element in the picture. By choosing nights with clear skies and dry air, the glow from artificial lights and their effects on aurora visibility can be reduced.

Overall, light pollution can significantly impact the visibility and appearance of the aurora borealis. To fully appreciate the beauty of this natural phenomenon, it is essential to find locations with minimal light pollution and favourable weather conditions.

Light pollution affects visibility in cities

Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky due to man-made sources, such as street lamps, high-rise blocks, and gas flaring from petrochemical plants. It is a well-known issue for astronomers and aurora hunters alike, and it is particularly problematic in cities. Light pollution affects visibility in cities, making it difficult to observe the night sky and natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis.

The artificial light from cities causes atmospheric light from stars, planets, the moon, and the aurora borealis to scatter, making it harder to see these celestial objects. In fact, light pollution can even break up the aurora borealis entirely, causing the vibrant colours and details of the aurora to be washed out by the glow of city lights. This is a significant issue for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, as it is often brighter than the aurora itself.

The impact of light pollution on visibility is evident in the fact that it is estimated that 60% of Europeans are unable to see the Milky Way due to light pollution. This issue is not limited to Europe, as it affects cities worldwide. For example, in Brighton, UK, the aurora borealis was visible despite significant light pollution, but the light pollution made it challenging to capture the phenomenon in photographs.

To combat this issue, those seeking to view or photograph the aurora borealis should aim to find locations with minimal light pollution. This may involve travelling to rural or secluded areas, away from big cities and sources of artificial light. Additionally, it is recommended to use tools such as light pollution maps to find areas with reasonably dark skies. By choosing locations with low light pollution, individuals can increase their chances of successfully viewing and capturing the aurora borealis.

While light pollution is a significant challenge for aurora hunters, it is important to note that other factors, such as cloud cover and air pollution, can also impact the visibility of the aurora borealis in cities. However, by being mindful of light pollution and taking steps to minimise its effects, individuals can enhance their chances of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

Frequently asked questions