Meghan Hodges
Light pollution is a common issue for astronomers and astrophotographers. Light pollution can be imagined as a bright, blurry dome over a city that prevents starlight from shining through. To escape light pollution, one must drive far away from cities and highways so that their eyes can adapt to the dark. The Bortle Scale is a 9-level scale that measures the amount of light pollution distorting our view of the sky. Dark sites, or level 1 zones, are the best for viewing the sky, but they are often too far for a reasonable traveling distance. For optimal sky viewing, a Bortle class 5 level or less is recommended. In the continental USA, central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon, and some other areas are good spots to escape light pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bortle Scale | 9 levels |
| Bortle Scale Class 1 | Pretty much entirely free of light pollution |
| Bortle Scale Class 3 | Optimal for viewing the sky |
| Bortle Scale Class 4 | Light pollution is still evident |
| Bortle Scale Class 5 | Optimal sky viewing |
| Driving time to escape light pollution | 45 minutes to 3 hours |
| Distance to escape light pollution | 15-30 minutes drive, 40km, 41.5 degrees latitude and 25 miles north, 160km |
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What You'll Learn
- The Bortle Scale measures light pollution on a scale of 1-9
- Light pollution is escapable, but not controllable
- Light pollution is like a dome over a city, obscuring starlight
- Light pollution can be caused by upward-facing lights in residential areas
- Las Vegas is so bright, its light pollution is visible from imaging spots
The Bortle Scale measures light pollution on a scale of 1-9
The Bortle Scale is a nine-level classification system that measures the brightness of the night sky at a specific location, with Class 9 representing the highest level of light pollution. It was created by John E. Bortle in 2001 and published in Sky & Telescope magazine. The scale aids amateur astronomers in assessing the darkness of an observing site and uses practical celestial observations to gauge the overall sky brightness.
Class 1 on the Bortle Scale represents the darkest skies, free from light pollution, and offers a unique viewing experience. In such conditions, objects like the Triangulum Galaxy (M33) can be observed with the naked eye, and the surroundings are visible only as silhouettes. Achieving complete darkness is challenging due to the Earth's atmosphere, but Class 1 skies come close. These locations are typically far removed from major cities and highways, allowing for an immersive astronomical experience.
Moving up the scale, Class 6 is characterised as a "Bright Suburban Sky". This classification describes locations in the centre of medium-sized cities, where light pollution starts to significantly impact the visibility of celestial objects. The light domes from nearby cities or villages wash out parts of the sky, diminishing the clarity of the night sky.
Classes 4 and 5 represent locations that offer a better viewing experience than Class 6. Places like Big Bear in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains or Lockwood Valley near Frazier Park fall into this category. While there is still light pollution from nearby metropolitan areas, it is less intense, and more of the sky is visible.
To truly escape light pollution, one may need to drive for a considerable amount of time to reach locations with minimal human settlement. Residents of less populated states like Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming have the advantage of being relatively close to destinations with pristine night skies. A drive of 15-30 minutes can take them away from any light pollution, offering a glimpse into the stellar views our ancestors witnessed nightly before the advent of cities and artificial lighting.
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Light pollution is escapable, but not controllable
Light pollution is a common issue for astronomers and astrophotographers, and while it is escapable, it is not controllable. Light pollution can be imagined as a bright, blurry dome over a city that prevents starlight from shining through. The further one distances themselves from the source of light pollution, the less effect it has.
To escape light pollution, one must get away from major interstates and highways, as well as sources of light pollution such as cities and villages. In the continental USA, some of the best spots to escape light pollution are in central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon, and central and northern Minnesota. These locations are relatively close to destinations that provide stellar night sky views. For example, residents of small towns in these states may only need to drive 15-30 minutes to be completely free of any distant light pollution.
However, it is important to note that escaping light pollution may not always be easy. Even at 25 miles (40 km) away, light pollution from a city can still be evident. The light pollution dome of Las Vegas, for instance, can be seen from imaging spots that are under Bortle 3 and Bortle 4 on the Bortle Scale, which measures the amount of light pollution on a scale of 1 to 9. Locations like Big Bear in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains, Idyllwild, or Lockwood Valley near Frazier Park are much better but still have a big light dome from Los Angeles that washes out a significant portion of the sky.
To find dark sites for astrophotography, one can use light pollution maps and the Bortle Scale to identify areas with minimal light pollution. Additionally, driving as far away from the lights as possible is a good strategy. For optimal sky viewing, a class 5 level or less is recommended.
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Light pollution is like a dome over a city, obscuring starlight
Light pollution is a growing problem, affecting 83% of people globally and 23% of the world's land area. It is caused by artificial light sources, such as building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, outdoor area lighting, offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues. The light from these sources obscures our view of the night sky, competing with starlight and interfering with astronomical observatories. It is a particular problem in highly industrialized and densely populated areas, such as in North America, Europe, and Asia, and in major cities in the Middle East and North Africa, like Tehran and Cairo. Even relatively small amounts of light can have a significant impact.
The effects of light pollution are not limited to urban areas, as the glow from cities can be seen from over 200 miles away, affecting national parks and other remote locations. This is known as "skyglow," and it can be enhanced by clouds, which reflect the light back down, increasing the brightness of the night sky by up to 1000 times compared to a clear night. This makes it difficult to find truly dark locations from which to view the stars.
To escape light pollution, one must move away from major interstates and highways, as the glare from passing cars can ruin the adaptation of the eyes to the dark. Even pulling off to the side of the road for a few minutes can still result in exposure to light pollution. In the continental US, central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon, and some other areas are recommended for their relatively low light pollution levels.
Light pollution has been compared to a dome over a city, obscuring starlight. This dome of light can be seen from great distances and washes out significant portions of the sky. It is caused by a combination of light sources within the city, including streetlights, advertising lights, and lighting from buildings, as well as light reflected off clouds. This dome of light pollution can make it difficult for people in and around the city to see the stars, diminishing our connection to the cosmos.
To truly experience a dark sky and see the stars in all their glory, one may need to travel far from any major cities or highways. It is a sad reality that many people, especially those living in urban areas, may never get to experience a truly dark sky and the full brilliance of the stars due to the pervasive nature of light pollution.
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Light pollution can be caused by upward-facing lights in residential areas
Light pollution is a pressing global issue, with 83% of the world's population living under light-polluted skies. It is caused by the inefficient and unnecessary use of artificial light, such as streetlights, advertising, offices, factories, and illuminated sporting venues. The effects of light pollution are magnified at night, compromising human health, disrupting ecosystems, and spoiling aesthetic environments.
To escape light pollution, one might consider driving to remote regions such as Siberia, the Sahara, or the Amazon, which remain untouched by artificial light. However, for those seeking a more accessible escape from light pollution, driving 15-30 minutes away from populated areas can significantly reduce light pollution levels. This distance allows the eyes to adapt to the darkness, enhancing the visibility of stars and other celestial objects.
While driving away from light pollution can be an option for some, it is essential to understand that light pollution is a human-made issue caused by the alteration of outdoor light levels from their natural state. Upward-facing lights in residential areas contribute significantly to this issue. These lights, when not properly directed or shielded, send wasted electricity and light pollution into the sky, creating a brightening effect known as sky glow.
To address light pollution caused by upward-facing lights in residential areas, several solutions can be implemented. Firstly, it is essential to use light sources with the minimum intensity necessary to accomplish their purpose. Motion sensors, timers, and manual switches can also help ensure that lights are turned off when not needed. Additionally, light mitigation approaches, such as Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS), can be employed, where lights are activated only when aircraft are within certain thresholds of altitude and distance.
By implementing these solutions and advocating for intelligent lighting plans and policies, we can reduce the adverse effects of light pollution on our health, the environment, and our ability to appreciate the natural night sky. It is essential to support organizations like DarkSky International and the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), which work to educate the public, establish codes, and certify lighting products and installations that reduce light pollution. Together, we can make a positive impact in the fight against light pollution and restore the natural nighttime environment for the benefit of humans and wildlife alike.
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Las Vegas is so bright, its light pollution is visible from imaging spots
Light pollution is a significant issue for astronomers and astrophotographers, and it can be challenging to escape, even in remote locations. Las Vegas, a city surrounded by desert, is known for its bright lights, and its light pollution is so intense that it can be seen from imaging spots used for astrophotography. The light pollution creates a dome effect, washing out significant portions of the sky and reducing the visibility of celestial objects.
Those seeking darker skies for stargazing or astrophotography need to distance themselves from major cities and light sources. In the case of Las Vegas, it is recommended to drive at least 45 minutes to an hour away from the city to find areas with minimal light pollution. These spots tend to be in remote, mountainous desert regions, where it is less likely that people will disturb the darkness.
To find these dark sites, astrophotographers can use tools like light pollution maps and a Sky Quality Meter (SQM). The Bortle Scale, which measures light pollution levels from 1 (least polluted) to 9 (most polluted), can also help identify the darkest spots. Central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, and eastern Oregon are regions in the continental USA that offer better opportunities for finding darker skies.
While it is challenging to escape light pollution entirely due to its far-reaching effects, it is possible to find locations with minimal light pollution by using the right tools and traveling to more remote areas. For those living in less populated states like Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, there are relatively close destinations that provide stellar night sky views. However, even in these areas, it is essential to avoid major interstates and highways, as the glare from passing cars can affect dark adaptation.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the distance one needs to drive to escape light pollution depends on several factors, including the location of the observer, the direction they are facing, and the level of light pollution they are willing to accept. However, as a general rule, light pollution decreases as one drives farther away from cities and major highways.
The Bortle Scale is a 9-level scale that measures the amount of light pollution in a given location, with lower numbers indicating less light pollution. The scale is useful for understanding light pollution maps and finding dark sites for activities such as astrophotography.
To escape light pollution, aim for locations with a Bortle Scale rating of 4 or lower. These areas will have significantly reduced light pollution compared to urban areas, though some light pollution may still be visible in the sky.
Yes, several US regions are renowned for their dark skies. These include central and northern Nevada, southwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon, and parts of Wyoming. These states offer relatively easy access to locations with minimal light pollution.
To find dark sites near you, utilize online tools such as light pollution maps and the ASTAP software. Consider joining astronomy or astrophotography communities, which often share information about suitable locations. Additionally, look for remote areas away from major cities and highways, as these tend to have less light pollution.
