What is Light Pollution?

 

Less than 100 years ago, everyone could look up and see a spectacular starry night sky. Now, millions of children across the globe will never experience the Milky Way where they live. The increased and widespread use of artificial light at night is not only impairing our view of the universe, it is adversely affecting our environment, our safety, our energy consumption and our health.

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the presence of artificial light in otherwise dark conditions. The term is most commonly used in relation to in the outdoor environment, but is also used to refer to artificial light indoors. Adverse consequences are multiple; some of them may not be known yet. Light pollution competes with starlight in the night sky for urban residents, interferes with astronomical observatories,and, like any other form of pollution, disrupts ecosystems and has adverse health effects.

Light pollution is a side-effect of industrial civilization. Its sources include building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, outdoor area lighting (such as car parks), offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues. It is most severe in highly industrialized, densely populated areas of North America, Europe, and Japan and in major cities in the Middle East and North Africa like Tehran and Cairo, but even relatively small amounts of light can be noticed and create problems. Awareness of the deleterious effects of light pollution began early in the 20th century, but efforts to address effects did not begin until the 1950s. In the 1980s a global dark-sky movement emerged with the founding of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). There are now such educational and advocacy organizations in many countries worldwide.

Types of light pollution:

Light pollution is caused by inefficient or unnecessary use of artificial light. Specific categories of light pollution include light trespass, glare, light clutter over-illumination and skyglow.

1 Light Trespass

Light trespass, also known as spill light, occurs when a light fixture casts illumination beyond the property lines, unintentionally illuminating other homes, businesses, or areas. Spill light is the most subjective form light pollution because there are no guidelines to determine when, where, or how much light is unwanted. A common example of spill light is light from a streetlight coming through a window and illuminating a bedroom, light from outdoor wall lights that direct light up towards the sky rather than towards the ground, or light from a neighbor’s floodlight or security light shining over the fence and illuminating your property.

2 Glare

Glare is another type of light pollution.
As its name may somewhat evoke, Glare results from very bright light that human eyes are not accustomed to. It effects?

Blinding glare describes effects such as that caused by staring into the Sun. It is completely blinding and leaves temporary or permanent vision deficiencies.

Disability glare describes effects such as being blinded by oncoming car lights, or light scattering in fog or in the eye, reducing contrast, as well as reflections from print and other dark areas that render them bright, with significant reduction in sight capabilities.

Discomfort glare does not typically cause a dangerous situation in itself, though it is annoying and irritating at best. It can potentially cause fatigue if experienced over extended periods.

3 Light Clutter

Light clutter is the excessive grouping of bright lights that cause confusion and distract from oncoming or surrounding objects. Light clutter is visible on roads surrounded by unshielded street lights and brightly lit advertisements or signs. This creates a hazardous environment for drivers and pilots because it competes with traffic and navigation signals. Clutter contributes to other forms of light pollution, including light trespass, glare, and sky glow.

4 Over-illumination

Over-illumination is the excessive use of light. Specifically within the United States, over-illumination is responsible for approximately two million barrels of oil per day in energy wasted.This is based upon U.S. consumption of equivalent of 18.8 million barrels per day (2,990,000 m3/d) of petroleum.

5 Sky Glow

Sky glow originates from natural and man-made sources; however, poorly designed and targeted artificial lights are the main cause of sky glow. Sky glow occurs when light is emitted directly into the atmosphere, accidently or purposefully, where it is scattered by dust and gas molecules, creating a dome-like orange glow that covers the night sky.

Effects of Light Pollution

For three billion years, life on Earth existed in a rhythm of light and dark that was created solely by the illumination of the Sun, Moon and stars. Now, artificial lights overpower the darkness and our cities glow at night, disrupting the natural day-night pattern and shifting the delicate balance of our environment. The negative effects of the loss of this inspirational natural resource might seem intangible. But a growing body of evidence links the brightening night sky directly to measurable negative impacts including

Increasing energy consumption

Disrupting the ecosystem and wildlife

Harming human health

Effecting crime and safety

Light pollution affects every citizen. Fortunately, concern about light pollution is rising dramatically. A growing number of scientists, homeowners, environmental groups and civic leaders are taking action to restore the natural night. Each of us can implement practical solutions to combat light pollution locally, nationally and internationally.

Conclusion:

The good news is that light pollution, unlike many other forms of pollution, is reversible and each one of us can make a difference! Just being aware that light pollution is a problem is not enough; the need is for action. You can start by minimizing the light from your own home at night and you can also seek the help of the professional lighting companies to provide you with excellent lighting solutions to reduce light pollution. Tachyonlight can provide you a free and affordable lighting solution for your basketball court, football field, factory or other venues. Please feel free to contact us.