Brian Barton
Light pollution is a growing problem that is dimming our view of the night sky and its stars. The brightness of the night sky is increasing at an alarming rate, with a global increase in light pollution of 9.6% annually. This is due to the increasing prevalence of artificial light, which is having a detrimental impact on astronomy and our ability to see the stars. Light pollution also affects wildlife, with consequences for the health of both humans and animals. In addition to light pollution, air pollution caused by power plants and vehicle exhaust can also obscure our view of the stars. While light pollution is a pressing issue, it is one that can be addressed through measures such as turning off unnecessary lights and supporting dark sky ordinances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Star pollution refers to light pollution, which is a side-effect of industrial civilization. |
| Sources | Light pollution is caused by building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, outdoor area lighting (such as car parks), offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues. Satellites also contribute. |
| Effects | Light pollution competes with starlight, interferes with astronomical observatories, disrupts ecosystems, and has adverse health effects. It reduces the contrast between stars and galaxies, making it harder to see fainter objects. |
| Impact on Stargazing | Light pollution blocks our view of the stars, with 80% of North Americans unable to see the Milky Way galaxy. |
| Impact on Wildlife | Light pollution affects the navigation of birds and mammals, the breeding activity of toads, and the behavior of sea turtle hatchlings and juvenile seabirds. |
| Solutions | Reducing light pollution can involve turning off unnecessary lights, shielding lights to direct them downward, and supporting community initiatives and organizations working to combat light pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Light pollution's impact on human health
Light pollution, caused by human-made outdoor light levels, has a range of impacts on human health. More than 80% of the world's population lives under light-polluted skies, and this number rises to 99% for Americans and Europeans. The artificial light that causes light pollution has been linked to a host of health issues, from sleep disorders to obesity and depression.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognised the health effects of artificial light and is now supporting efforts to control light pollution. Blue light, in particular, has been shown to reduce melatonin levels in humans, and this can have a range of consequences. Melatonin is a hormone that is released when it is dark and inhibited when it is light. Lowered melatonin production can result in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, and anxiety. Further research is also investigating the link between reduced melatonin and cancer.
Light pollution can also impact mental health, with higher exposure in urban areas contributing to the development of psychological distress and a higher risk of psychiatric disorders. Affective disorders, for example, are more prevalent in urban centres. One study in Korea found that light trespass, over-illumination, glare, and light clutter were all factors that influenced risk perception. Another study in Ireland found that light pollution entering bedrooms had a detrimental impact on sleep, with participants suggesting that light pollution should be considered when implementing strategies to improve overall sleep health.
The effects of light pollution are not limited to humans; wildlife and the environment are also impacted. Light pollution has been shown to affect animal behaviours, such as migration patterns, and can also disrupt the natural day and night activities of nearly all living organisms.
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Light pollution's impact on wildlife
Light pollution, caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, has a significant impact on wildlife. It disrupts the natural rhythm of day and night, affecting the behaviours of many species, from insects to birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Impact on Insect Populations
Light pollution has a detrimental effect on insects, which form a crucial part of many ecosystems as food sources and pollinators. Insects are drawn to artificial lights, becoming trapped and vulnerable to predators or dying from exhaustion or heat. This phenomenon has contributed to the decline in insect populations, with consequences for species that rely on them.
Disruption of Nocturnal Activities
Nocturnal animals, such as bats, have adapted to use the cover of darkness for essential activities like breeding, foraging, and migrating. Artificial lighting disrupts these behaviours, affecting their health and reproduction. For example, the breeding calls of frogs and toads in wetland habitats can be interrupted by artificial lights, reducing their populations.
Altered Migration and Navigation
Light pollution can alter the migration patterns of birds, insects, and marine animals. It may attract or repel them, causing disorientation and collisions with buildings or light sources. For example, migratory birds can be trapped by circling within the cone of light, while insects may have their long-distance migrations interrupted.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Artificial lighting can effectively act as a form of habitat loss for some species. It may attract or repel certain organisms, causing them to avoid suitable habitats or concentrate in areas where they become vulnerable to predators. This can result in habitat fragmentation and changes in hunting behaviours, as observed in cougars in light-polluted areas.
Interference with Reproductive Cycles
Light pollution can interfere with the reproductive cycles of various species. It can disrupt the breeding rituals of amphibians and affect the spawning behaviour of fish, such as the California grunion, which spawns on beaches. Additionally, the hatching process of sea turtles can be interrupted, further threatening their populations.
Addressing light pollution is crucial for mitigating its impacts on wildlife. Simple solutions, such as turning off unnecessary lights, using low-intensity amber lighting, and advocating for dark skies, can make a significant difference in reducing the harmful effects of light pollution on ecosystems.
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Sources of light pollution
Light pollution is caused by the alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. This is largely due to the world's growing reliance on outdoor electrical lights. Sources of light pollution include:
Outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting is the primary cause of light pollution. Any light that escapes upward will scatter throughout the atmosphere and brighten the night sky. Light fixtures that direct all light downward, known as shielded lights or full cut-off, greatly reduce light pollution. In some instances, even a single light can disrupt the natural lightscape.
Roadway lighting
Roadway lighting contributes significantly to light pollution, with estimates ranging from 35% to 50% of all light pollution. Many roads use old-fashioned lights that are not shielded and emit light upwards.
Air pollution
Air pollution particles increase the scattering of light at night, just as they impact visibility during the day. Aerosols from haze, dust, and other air pollutants enhance the skyglow, making the night sky appear brighter. Clouds over cities can enhance sky brightness by up to 1000 times compared to a clear night, as they reflect light back downward and increase scattering.
Buildings and vehicles
Artificial light from buildings and vehicles can also contribute to light pollution. In addition, vehicles on the road contribute to the light being directed upwards and to other unintended places.
Fireworks
Fireworks can also be a source of light pollution, as seen in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong.
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Light trespass
To combat light trespass, several cities in the US have developed standards for outdoor lighting to protect citizens' rights. The International Dark-Sky Association has also created a set of model lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution. Solutions to light trespass include adjusting light fixtures, using more appropriate light bulbs, and turning off lights when not needed.
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Efforts to combat light pollution
Light pollution is a global issue that has detrimental effects on human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe the stars and other celestial bodies. It is caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, and it disrupts natural darkness. Light pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including streetlights, boats, buildings, and even fireworks.
There are several efforts underway to combat light pollution and protect communities and wildlife from its harmful effects. Here are some key strategies:
Advocacy and Education
Organisations like DarkSky International are leading the fight against light pollution. They advocate for establishing lawful requirements for outdoor lighting and promote education and certification to raise awareness about the issue. DarkSky also works with communities, governments, and manufacturers to certify and protect dark places and promote responsible lighting practices.
Local Legislation and Citizen Action
Citizens can band together to enact local legislation and advocate for light pollution reduction. This includes passing lighting ordinances and supporting initiatives like the ""Lights Out" program, which turns off building lights during bird migration to protect migrating birds.
Responsible Lighting Practices
Properly designed lighting can be beautiful, healthy, and functional. This includes using covered bulbs that face downwards, reducing glare and light trespass onto neighbouring properties, and using warm-coloured LED bulbs, which are more environmentally friendly and reduce blue light emission.
Reducing Light Usage
A simple yet effective way to reduce light pollution is to switch off unnecessary lights. This can be done in homes, public spaces, and street lighting. Using window shades to block indoor light from escaping outdoors is also recommended. Additionally, individuals can reduce the use of electronic devices in the evening and opt for dimmer night settings when possible.
Creating Dark Sky Areas
Individuals, institutions, and governments can work together to create and promote dark sky areas. This includes adopting measures to protect biodiversity and natural habitats from excessive artificial lighting.
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Frequently asked questions
Star pollution, more commonly known as light pollution, refers to the excessive artificial lighting at night that obscures the visibility of stars and constellations.
Light pollution has a range of adverse consequences. It competes with starlight, reducing the number of stars that are visible in the night sky. It also interferes with astronomical observatories and disrupts ecosystems, impacting the lives of many animals and plants. Light pollution has also been shown to have adverse health effects on humans.
Light pollution has become more widespread and accelerated since it was first recognised in the 1970s. The night sky is estimated to be getting brighter by 9.6% globally each year, with exponential growth rates varying across different regions.
Light pollution is primarily caused by artificial light sources such as building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, outdoor area lighting (e.g., car parks), offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues. Technological changes, such as the shift from redder lightbulbs to brighter LEDs, have exacerbated the issue.
Efforts to reduce light pollution include turning off unnecessary lights, shielding lights to direct them downward, and supporting dark sky ordinances that regulate lighting in communities. Organisations like the International Dark-Sky Association are working to combat light pollution and preserve dark skies for future generations.
