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When was the last time you looked up at the night sky and saw a blanket of stars stretching out above you? For many people around the world, this is becoming an increasingly rare occurrence due to light pollution. Light pollution is the excessive and misdirected artificial light that is present in our cities and towns, obscuring the natural beauty of the night sky. Unfortunately, it is estimated that up to 80% of people in the United States cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution¹.

Light pollution not only affects our ability to see the stars, but also has negative consequences for wildlife. Many animals, such as birds, sea turtles, and insects, rely on natural light cues for activities like migration, reproduction, and foraging. The presence of artificial light can disrupt these activities and have a range of negative impacts. For example, sea turtle hatchlings can become disoriented by light pollution and head away from the sea rather than towards it, leading to high mortality rates. Artificial light can also impact the behavior of nocturnal animals, such as bats and moths, and may contribute to population declines. In addition, light pollution can alter the entire food web by affecting the interactions between predators and prey, and can even lead to changes in plant growth and flowering. By reducing light pollution, we can help to mitigate these negative impacts and protect the natural habitats of wildlife.

Light pollution has gotten significantly worse over time due to the increase in outdoor lighting that has accompanied urbanization and population growth. The result is that people living in urban and suburban areas are exposed to much more artificial light than ever before, and this is having a significant impact on our ability to see the stars. In addition to making it difficult to stargaze, light pollution has also been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, harm to nocturnal animals, and even negative impacts on human health.

Despite the growing problem of light pollution, there are ways to reduce its impact and preserve our view of the stars:

1. Use “Dark Sky” lighting: “Dark Sky” lighting is designed to minimize light pollution by directing the light downwards rather than upwards. This can be used for streetlights, parking lots, and other outdoor areas. It is also important to use lighting that is the appropriate brightness for the area, as excessive brightness can contribute to light pollution.
2. Install motion-activated lighting: Motion sensors can be used to turn lights on only when they are needed, reducing unnecessary light pollution. This is especially useful for outdoor areas such as parking lots and walkways.
3. Support “Dark Sky” communities: There are communities around the world that are dedicated to preserving their natural night sky. By supporting these communities and visiting them for stargazing, we can help to reduce light pollution and raise awareness about its negative impacts.
4. Educate others: By spreading the word about light pollution and its effects, we can encourage more people to take action and reduce their own contribution to the problem. This can be done through social media, community events, and other outreach activities.
5. Use window coverings: Indoor lighting can also contribute to light pollution. By using window coverings such as curtains or blinds, we can prevent light from spilling out into the night sky.
6. Turn off unnecessary lights: Turning off unnecessary lights at home or in the workplace can also help to reduce light pollution. This not only saves energy, but also reduces the amount of light that is emitted into the environment.

In conclusion, light pollution is having a significant impact on our ability to see the stars and connect with the natural world. However, by taking action and supporting initiatives that reduce light pollution, we can help to preserve and restore the natural beauty of the night sky.

¹Falchi, F., Cinzano, P., Duriscoe, D., Kyba, C. C. M., Elvidge, C. D., Baugh, K., . . . Furgoni, R. (2021). The new world atlas of artificial night sky brightness.