Bronte Wells
Light pollution, caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, is a global issue that has negatively impacted the environment, human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe the night sky. It has been found to interfere with the natural rhythms of plants and animals, affect human health and safety, and waste energy. To escape light pollution, one must move to darker skies, away from the lights. This can be achieved by visiting places that have been designated as dark sky areas, such as certain national parks, or by using tools like telescopes with light-cancelling viewfinders and light pollution maps to find locations with less light pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Move to a darker location | Move away from city lights to a place with darker skies |
| Use telescopes and light-cancelling viewfinders | Use telescopes, light-cancelling viewfinders, and light pollution maps to find the best locations for stargazing |
| Shield from direct light | Use hedges, buildings, or a piece of cardboard to shield from direct light |
| Cover eyes from stray light | Use a towel or hand to cover the eyes from stray light |
| Use special filters | Add a special filter to reduce light pollution |
| Use darker lights | Limit the use of shorter-wavelength (blue-violet) light and opt for warmer-color lights |
| Limit light to where it is needed | Use thoughtful lighting installations that limit light to the intended area and amount |
| Use downward-facing lights | Direct light downward so it does not spill beyond where it is needed |
| Use the lowest necessary light level | Use the lowest light level required to limit light pollution |
| Avoid reflective surfaces | Avoid using reflective surfaces that may reflect more light into the night sky |
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What You'll Learn
Visit a dark sky park
One of the best ways to escape light pollution is to visit a dark sky park. Dark sky parks are publicly or privately owned spaces that are protected for natural conservation. They implement good outdoor lighting and provide dark sky programs for visitors. Dark sky places are certified by DarkSky International, which was founded in 1988 to reserve public or private land for an exquisite outlook of nocturnal territories and starry night skies.
As of January 2023, there are 115 certified dark sky parks globally. Some examples include the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California, Arches National Park in Utah, and the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. There are also several dark sky parks in Cincinnati, such as Stonelick State Park and Ault Park.
Dark sky parks offer a quality nighttime experience that allows you to connect with nature. They provide a sky full of stars and, depending on the time of year, a view of the Milky Way with the unaided eye. Dark sky parks are important for the conservation of nocturnal wildlife, such as the black-footed ferret, which was reintroduced to the Grasslands National Park dark-sky preserve.
To find a dark sky park near you, you can visit the Dark Sky Place finder on the DarkSky International website. This website provides a list of certified dark sky places, including parks, communities, and protected areas around the world that are working to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
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Use a light pollution map
To escape light pollution, one of the best options is to refer to a light pollution map. Light pollution maps are mapping applications that display light pollution-related content. They show how bright a specific area appears from space, based on the light emitted and reflected from the Earth's surface.
One such map is available at www.lightpollutionmap.info. This map utilises data from NASA's VIIRS SNPP/NOAA-20 Lunar BRDF-Adjusted Nighttime Lights Yearly composites and provides various features to help you plan your escape from light pollution. For instance, you can use the “cog wheel” to display additional options for the selected feature. You can filter SQM points by the name or date, and the observatories option helps you find observatories and assess their light pollution levels. You can also create a list of locations to quickly access them later.
Another light pollution map is the Light Pollution Atlas 2022, which can be found at http://www.cleardarksky.com/maps/lp/large_light_pollution_map.html. This map allows you to adjust the intensity slider to view both light pollution colours and road map details. You can also pan and zoom with the shift key and mouse drag to explore different areas.
By using these light pollution maps, you can identify areas with low light pollution, or dark skies, which are crucial for optimal astronomical observing conditions and stargazing experiences. So, before you plan your next stargazing trip, be sure to consult a light pollution map to find the perfect location for uninterrupted views of the night sky.
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Get a light-cancelling viewfinder
Light pollution is a common issue for both photographers and astronomers. It can affect the final image during long exposures, and in the case of stargazing, it can obscure the night sky.
A light-cancelling viewfinder can be an effective solution to this problem. These devices can be attached to telescopes and cameras to block unwanted light from entering the viewfinder. This can help to improve the quality of your images and enhance your stargazing experience.
Some cameras, such as the Nikon D810, come with a built-in mechanical switch that serves this purpose. However, if your camera does not have this feature, there are other options available. You can purchase a light-cancelling viewfinder that attaches to your camera or telescope. These devices are designed to block stray light, allowing you to focus solely on the view through the eyepiece.
Additionally, you can create a homemade solution by using a piece of cardboard or a toilet paper roll tube to block the light from entering the viewfinder. This simple and cost-effective method can be just as effective as using a purchased light-cancelling viewfinder.
By utilising a light-cancelling viewfinder, you can significantly reduce the impact of light pollution on your photography and stargazing pursuits, enabling you to capture clearer images and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
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Shield yourself from direct light
To shield yourself from direct light pollution, it is important to understand the sources of light pollution and how to mitigate them. Light pollution is caused by artificial light that is unnecessary, misdirected, or improper, such as light from streetlights, greenhouses, and satellites. Here are some ways to shield yourself from direct light pollution:
Use light shields: Install light shields, also known as light shrouds or glare shields, for any outdoor lighting fixtures. These shields focus light downward or inward, preventing it from spreading upwards or sideways. This helps to minimize glare and reduce light trespass onto neighbouring properties or areas.
Use proper outdoor lighting fixtures: Choose outdoor lighting fixtures that are designed to shield the light source and minimize glare and light trespass. These fixtures direct light downwards or to a specific area, reducing light pollution.
Use LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs): Switch to LEDs and CFLs for indoor and outdoor lighting. These bulbs reduce energy use, protect the environment, and provide reduced illuminance without compromising visibility. Warm-coloured LED bulbs are recommended to minimize their impact on the night sky.
Use dimmers, motion sensors, and timers: Implement dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to reduce average illumination levels and save energy. Lowering the intensity of lights can help minimize their impact on the surrounding environment and reduce light pollution.
Create physical barriers: If you are trying to observe the night sky through a telescope, create physical barriers between yourself and the source of light pollution. Position yourself in a dark area of your garden, using hedges or buildings to block direct light from nearby sources.
Use light-cancelling viewfinders: If you are using a telescope, consider investing in a light-cancelling viewfinder or attaching a piece of cardboard around the end of the telescope to reduce local light pollution and improve your viewing experience.
By following these strategies, you can effectively shield yourself from direct light pollution and reduce its impact on your surroundings.
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Advocate for responsible lighting
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on the environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. To escape light pollution, one must advocate for responsible lighting.
DarkSky International, the world's leading authority on light pollution, has outlined five principles for responsible outdoor lighting:
- Avoid overlighting: Only light areas that need to be lit, and only to the level required.
- Minimize blue light: Use warm-coloured lighting with a colour temperature of 3000K or lower to reduce the amount of blue light emitted.
- Shield lights: Use fixtures that direct light downwards to reduce light trespass and sky glow.
- Reduce glare: Use matte finishes and cut-off fixtures to reduce the amount of light that is scattered.
- Use motion sensors and timers: Ensure lights are only on when needed to reduce energy waste and light pollution.
By advocating for responsible lighting in your community, you can help reduce light pollution and its harmful effects. This can be done by:
- Educating your community about the harmful effects of light pollution and the benefits of responsible lighting.
- Working with local businesses and organizations to adopt responsible lighting practices.
- Encouraging the use of dark sky-friendly lighting fixtures and bulbs in your community.
- Supporting local initiatives and policies that promote responsible lighting and reduce light pollution.
- Contacting your local representatives and advocating for policies that address light pollution, such as lighting ordinances and regulations.
Through these efforts, you can help reduce light pollution and preserve the night sky for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light.
Light pollution can have a number of detrimental effects on human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe stars and other celestial objects. It can also waste energy and interfere with the natural rhythms of plants and animals.
If you want to stargaze in your local area, try to find a spot that is shielded from direct light. You can use a light pollution map to find the best locations near you.
Many National Parks have achieved certified dark sky status by taking steps to reduce lighting. Some examples include Bryce Canyon, Arches, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree.
Individuals can take actions such as changing light bulbs and fixtures, using shielding to reduce glare, and adopting measures to limit light trespass onto neighbouring properties. Institutions and governments can also play a role by creating and promoting dark-sky areas and establishing codes and statutes that reduce light pollution.
