Meghan Hodges
Light pollution is a pressing issue for astronomers, who have to travel further and further to find areas free of light pollution. In the continental USA, some of the best spots for stargazing are in central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon and Wyoming. Even in the Grand Canyon national park, there is light pollution from LA. Some sources suggest that 80km offshore is a safe distance to avoid light pollution, while others recommend staying at least 5 miles from a town of 100, 20 miles from populations of 1000, and 50 miles from populations of 10,000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from a population of 10,000 | At least 50 miles |
| Distance from a small town | 15-30 minutes' drive |
What You'll Learn
Light pollution from harbours
In general, light pollution is a significant issue in populated areas, and it can be challenging to find locations that are completely free of it. Even in relatively remote areas, such as the Grand Canyon National Park, light pollution from nearby cities like Los Angeles can still be a problem.
To minimise the impact of light pollution, some people suggest considering the typical weather conditions for an area, as clear days and nights can increase the visibility of light pollution. Additionally, the direction of the closest light source can also affect the amount of light pollution experienced, with some favouring locations where the light source is to the south.
For those seeking dark skies for astronomy or other purposes, there are some destinations in the western and midwestern United States that offer relatively better conditions. These include central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, and eastern Oregon. However, even in these areas, light pollution from nearby cities or towns may still be visible, and it may be necessary to drive for 15-30 minutes to find truly dark skies.
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Light pollution maps
When interpreting light pollution maps, it is important to consider the distance from sources of light pollution. For example, a property that is located 5 miles from a town of 100 people may still experience light pollution, especially if the town is the centre of light pollution in the area. In this case, it may be advisable to consider a formula that suggests staying at least 20 miles from a population of 1000 or 50 miles from a population of 10,000.
Weather conditions can also affect the reach of light pollution. Clear days and nights, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, and the jet stream can all impact the spread of light pollution. Additionally, the direction of the closest light dome can play a role, with some areas favouring less light pollution to the south.
Overall, light pollution maps can provide valuable information about the impact of artificial light on the environment and help guide decisions about where to go to minimise light pollution, whether for astronomical observations or simply to experience the night sky as our ancestors did.
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Light pollution in the USA
Light pollution is a worldwide problem that has a range of adverse effects on human health and natural ecosystems. In the USA, light pollution is a particular issue, with the country on average polluting three times more than Europe in night light flux per capita.
The USA has some of the darkest skies in the world, with three of the top 25 darkest counties in Alaska. Other US states with the least light-polluted counties in the top 25 include Montana and Oregon. However, light pollution is still a significant issue in the USA, with light pollution from major cities such as Los Angeles affecting even remote areas like the Grand Canyon National Park.
In general, the less populated western and mid-western states, such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, tend to have less light pollution. Residents of small towns in these states may only need to drive 15-30 minutes to be completely free of any distant light pollution.
To avoid light pollution, it is recommended to stay at least 5 miles from a town of 100, 20 miles from populations of 1,000, and 50 miles from populations of 10,000. However, this can vary depending on the weather and other factors. For example, harbours tend to produce stronger light pollution than other industrial areas due to the reflection of bright crane floodlights off the water.
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Light pollution in cities
In highly populated cities, light pollution can extend for miles, affecting surrounding areas and even reaching into neighbouring towns and rural regions. For example, light pollution from Los Angeles can be seen from the Grand Canyon National Park. Harbours are also a significant source of light pollution, with bright crane floodlights reflecting off the water and travelling long distances.
To escape light pollution, one must venture far from urban centres. In the United States, states like Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming offer better opportunities to witness pristine night skies. Residents of smaller towns may only need to drive for 15-30 minutes to escape the reach of light pollution.
However, achieving complete freedom from light pollution is challenging. Even in relatively remote areas, the glow of distant cities can still be observed. To minimise light pollution, it is recommended to stay at least 5 miles from a town of 100 people, 20 miles from populations of 1,000, and 50 miles from populations of 10,000.
Additionally, weather conditions play a crucial role in light pollution. Clear skies and low humidity can increase the visibility of light pollution, while cloudy and humid conditions may mitigate its impact.
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Light pollution in national parks
Light pollution can travel a long way. It can be difficult to escape, even from national parks like the Grand Canyon, where light pollution from Los Angeles can be seen. In fact, one source suggests that you would need to travel 80km offshore to avoid light pollution.
In the continental USA, you are more likely to find areas with less light pollution in central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon, and central states. If you live in a small town, you may only need to drive 15-30 minutes to escape light pollution. However, if you live in a city like Los Angeles, you may need to travel 90 minutes to find an area with less light pollution.
The amount of light pollution you experience can depend on various factors, including the weather and the direction of the closest light dome. One source suggests a formula for staying away from light pollution: stay at least 5 miles from a town of 100, 20 miles from populations of 1,000, and 50 miles from populations of 10,000.
Harbours tend to produce stronger light pollution than other industrial areas due to the bright crane floodlights reflecting off the water.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution can travel for miles. It's difficult to escape, even from the Grand Canyon National Park, there is light pollution from Los Angeles.
It depends on the size of the population centre. One source suggests staying at least 5 miles from a town of 100, 20 miles from a population of 1,000, 50 miles from a population of 10,000, and 80km from a harbour.
In the continental USA, you have a better shot at finding dark skies in central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon, and central states like Wyoming.
It depends on where you live. If you live in a small town, you may only need to drive 15-30 minutes to be completely free of any distant light pollution. However, if you live in a city like Los Angeles, it may take 90 minutes or more to get to an area with dark skies.
