Light Pollution: A Growing Concern and How Communities Can Combat It
Across the United States, the once-starry night sky is becoming increasingly difficult to see as light pollution intensifies. This is particularly noticeable in central regions where even small towns like Kirksville, Missouri, known as “the North Star of Missouri,” are witnessing the stars fade from view.
Major urban centers such as Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago are experiencing significant skyglow, contributing to their ranking among the top 10 riskiest cities for migrating birds. As the brightness of the skies increases by about 10% annually, it not only affects wildlife but also impacts human health and well-being.
Solutions and Citizen Science
Astronomer Connie Walker from NOIRLab emphasizes that the loss of dark night skies is not inevitable. Communities have the power to retain their celestial views through conscious efforts. Walker asserts, “We have a responsibility to maintain that access to a beautiful, dark, starry night sky. It’s an easy thing to rectify.”
One proactive measure involves participating in the Globe At Night project, a citizen science initiative celebrating two decades of operation. By observing the constellation Orion and reporting observations via smartphone, individuals contribute valuable data on light pollution trends.
Walker, who played a pivotal role in establishing Globe At Night, discusses how to engage with the project on the Up From Dust podcast. She encourages participation, particularly from underrepresented rural areas such as Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas, and Kansas.
Steps Towards Change
Addressing skyglow requires more than documentation. Cities, parks, and institutions are experimenting with advanced lighting solutions to minimize light pollution while ensuring safety. These efforts include the installation of innovative fixtures and enhanced bulbs.
For those interested in learning more about combating light pollution and its implications, Up From Dust provides three podcast episodes that delve into practical solutions and the broader impact of these changes.
