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Apr 1, 2024 · Vast areas of North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are glowing with light, while only the most remote regions on Earth (Siberia, the Sahara, and the Amazon) are in total darkness. Some of the most light-polluted countries in the world are Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Specific categories of light pollution include light trespass, over-illumination, glare, light clutter, and skyglow. A single offending light source often falls into more than one of these categories.
- 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 · light pollution, unwanted or excessive artificial light. Like noise pollution, light pollution is a form of waste energy that can cause adverse effects and degrade environmental quality.
Oct 11, 2018 · From radically disrupting ecosystems to increased CO2 emissions, light pollution goes far beyond just eliminating our view of the stars.
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.
Dec 24, 2021 · Light pollution can be in the form of glare, skyglow, light trespass, or clutter. The phenomenon of light pollution is a worldwide issue, where 80% of the world’s population currently lives in light polluted areas.
