BAGAGEAFHANDELING OP ASAP
115
Cause
Light pollution results from outdoor lights aimed upward or sideways --- the light
scatters in the atmosphere and reflects back to the ground. The result is sky glow.
Particles in the atmosphere responsible for air pollution accentuate light pollution
by increasing the amount of light scatter. According to the International Dark-Sky
Association, light sources that emit blue light are particularly disruptive to night skies
due to greater light scattering. (See References 2 and 3)
Effects
According to the National Park Service, city lights as far as 200 miles away diminish
views of night skies. Light pollution is a major concern for observatories as lights
from urban areas compete with lights from stars and planets, reducing visibility of
the objects that observatories study. This type of pollution also affects wildlife and
plants. Night lights disorient hatching sea turtles, migrating birds and nocturnal
animals. Lights attract insects, which may in turn interfere with pollination of
nocturnal flowers. (See References 3 and 4) In humans, light pollution can interfere
with natural circadian rhythms by preventing the production of melatonin, the
chemical that regulates sleep patterns. Low melatonin levels have been linked to
increased cancer risks. (See References 1)
Reduction
There are ways to reduce light pollution, starting in your own neighborhood. Make
sure outdoor lights reflect downward in what are called fully-shielded fixtures. Also
consider exchanging high-wattage bulbs for dimmer ones and selecting warm-
white lights with low emission of blue light. A great way to save energy and reduce
trespassing light is to turn off outdoor lights unless needed. (See References 1, 2
and 3)
References
1. International Dark-Sky Association; Seeing Blue; 2010
2. Caltech Astronomy: Light Pollution and the Palomar Observatory
3. National Park Service; Natural Lightscapes Overview; 2007
4. Astronomical Society of the Pacific; A Silent Cry for Dark Skies; Connie Walker;
2008
5. CNN SciTech Blog; The Brightest Spots on Earth; Peter Dykstra; April 2008
