About Light Pollution
- Light PollutionEffect of street and other lighting concentrated mainly in urban areas on astronomical observing and imaging. For amateur astronomers, it limits the celestial objects (particularly extended objects) that can be seen. For professional astronomers its effects can so impede or distort scientific observations as to result in the eventual closure of observatories enveloped by urban sprawl in the years since their foundation.
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Perspectives
Light Pollution
There have been many developments in the field of light pollution over the last few years, and this second edition of 'Light Pollution - Responses and Remedies' will introduce them in detail. Examples include the appearance of anti-light pollution legislation in various countries, new departures in lighting design, human health implications, and the growing realization among the general public that lighting is not always a good thing. In this title, author Bob Mizon discusses the various ways in which wasted artificial light has damaged the quality of modern life, and suggest solutions. This book is for anyone who has experienced glare, discomfort, or nuisance from poorly directed lights; has wondered why we waste so much money lighting the sky; or anyone who simply wants to see the stars instead of a baleful urban glow. "Light Pollution, 2nd Edition" offers practical and inexpensive solutions to the world-wide problem of wasted artificial light, and emphasizes that light pollution is not just an astronomers' problem, but affects everyone in various ways.
Urban Lighting, Light Pollution and Society
After decades "in the shadows", urban lighting is re-emerging as a matter of public debate. Long-standing truths are increasingly questioned as a confluence of developments affects lighting itself and the way it is viewed. Light has become an integral element of place-making and energy-saving initiatives alike. Rapidly evolving lighting technologies are opening up new possibilities, but also posing new challenges to planners, and awareness is growing that artificial illumination is not purely benign but can actually constitute a form of pollution. As a result, public policy frameworks, incentives and initiatives are undergoing a phase of innovation and change that will affect how cities are lit for years to come. The first comprehensive compilation of current scientific discussions on urban lighting and light pollution from a social science and humanities perspective, Urban Lighting, Light Pollution and Society contributes to an evolving international debate on an increasingly controversial topic. The contributions draw a rich panorama of the manifold discourses connected with artificial illumination in the past and present - from early attempts to promote new lighting technologies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to current debates on restricting its excessive usage in public space and the protection of darkness. By bringing together a cross-section of current findings and debates on urban lighting and light pollution from a wide variety of disciplines, it reflects that artificial lighting is multifaceted in its qualities, utilisation and interpretation. Including case studies from the United States, Europe, and the UK, Urban Lighting, Light Pollution and Society is one of the first to take a serious assessment of light, pollution, and places and is a valuable resource for planners, policy makers and students in related subjects.
Light Pollution As a New Risk Factor for Human Breast and Prostate Cancers
Humans are diurnal organisms whose biological clock and temporal organization depend on natural light/dark cycles. Changes in the photoperiod are a signal for seasonal acclimatization of physiological and immune systems as well as behavioral patterns. The invention of electrical light bulbs created more opportunities for work and leisure. However, exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) affects our biological clock, and suppresses pineal melatonin (MLT) production. Among its other properties, MLT is an antioncogenic agent, and therefore its suppression increases the risks of developing breast and prostate cancers (BC&PC). To the best of our knowledge, this book is the first to address the linkage between light pollution and BC&PC in humans. It explains several state-of-the-art theories, linking light pollution with BC&PC. It also illustrates research hypotheses about health effects of light pollution using the results of animal models and population-based studies.
The devastating impact of light pollution
- The devastating impact of light pollution | Alyn Wallace | TEDxAberystwythLandscape astrophotographer Alyn Wallace (https://www.youtube.com/c/AlynWallace) discusses the devastating impact of light pollution, not just on the night sky but on nature as well. As the human population explodes and towns and cities grow, light pollution is growing at an alarming rate and is largely going unchecked. Not only is the luminous fog drowning out the stars and our view to the rest of the universe, but it also causes disruptions in circadian rhythms and the balance of ecosystems.
The Problem of Light Pollution
- Films on Demand This link opens in a new window
Ever gaze up at the starry night sky? This stunning view is at risk of disappearing -- unless we act now, says astrophysicist Kelsey Johnson. In this fascinating, unexpectedly funny talk, she explains how light pollution affects almost every species on earth (including us) and shares five "stupidly simple" things you can do to help solve the problem.
Online Resources
- Light Pollution MapThe light pollution map has two base layers (road and hybrid Bing maps), VIIRS/World Atlas/Clouds/Aurora overlays and a point feature overlay (SQM, SQC and Observatories). If you want detailed analysis of radiance (VIIRS/DMSP) changes over a period of time, then please use the Lighttrends web application (not mobile optimised).
- National Geographic-Light PollutionPeople all over the world are living under the nighttime glow of artificial light, and it is causing big problems for humans, wildlife, and the environment. There is a global movement to reduce light pollution, and everyone can help.
- National Park Service-Measuring light pollution across a landscapeThe NPS specialized CCD (charge-coupled device) camera captures light in the night sky, which scientists can measure. The information helps parks and neighboring communities assess the extent of light pollution, identify light sources, reduce light, and mitigate impacts.