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- There are four main types of light pollution: skyglow, glare, light trespass and clutter. Human development, thoughtless behaviors, and poor light fixture design contribute to light pollution.
Apr 1, 2024 · Take, for example, the automobile or that miraculous human-made material, plastic. Today, automobile emissions are a major source of air pollution contributing to climate change, and plastics fill our ocean, creating a significant health hazard to marine animals.
- Affects on Astronomy and Night Vision
- Health Risks
- Implications on Wildlife Behaviour
- Additional Resources
- Bibliography
One of the immediate effects light pollution has on our environment is to obscure our view of the true night sky, according to telescope manufacturer Celestron. Without the presence of artificial light, the night sky is awash with celestial bodies, far away galaxiesand constellations. However, if you’re looking up from the belly of a big city, you’...
Other than depriving us of a starry star, there are many more implications to excess use of artificial light, such as throwing the human body's natural cycle out of whack. Circadian rhythms are a group of physiological and neurological changes that occur in the body over a 24-hour-period. Collectively they’re also known as our body clock and is rel...
Along with health issues, light pollution can interfere with the behaviours of wildlife. Nocturnal predators such as batsare among the most affected by light pollution. These flying mammals are well adapted to hunting at night and actively avoid illuminated areas. Unfortunately, their insect prey is attracted to light sources, which leads to barren...
For more information about light pollution, check out "The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light" by Paul Bogard and "Fighting Light Pollution: Smart Lighting Solutions for Individuals and Communities" by The International Dark-Sky Association.
The International Dark-Sky Association "Light pollution", accessed April 2022.John E. Bortle, "The Bortle Dark-Sky Scale", accessed April 2022.Celestron, "What is light pollution and how does it affect views through my telescope?", February 2022.Rebecca Morelle, "Light pollution 'affects 80% of global population'", BBC, June 2016.- Scott Dutfield
6 days ago · Impact on humans. Light pollution adversely affects professional and amateur astronomers, as well as casual observers of the night sky, because it severely reduces the visibility of stars and other celestial objects.
Oct 11, 2018 · From radically disrupting ecosystems to increased CO2 emissions, light pollution goes far beyond just eliminating our view of the stars.
Apr 27, 2023 · Light pollution is a problem, but there’s no single country, group, or industry to blame. Instead, it’s a result of the whole world’s ever-expanding reliance on outdoor electrical lights for over 200 years. Fortunately, there’s a growing awareness that the ways we stave off the dark can actually have detrimental effects too.
Mar 22, 2023 · Light pollution is excessive or misdirected artificial light that can have adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and the natural world. It is caused by various sources, such as streetlights, buildings, and illuminated signs.
Jun 15, 2022 · Global light pollution has increased by 49% over 25 years to 2017, new research shows, and the real figure may be even higher. Its impacts are wide-ranging - with human health, the environment and nature all affected, according to studies.
