Trying to stargaze around Behrend’s campus or the city of Erie is nearly impossible. When looking into the night sky, there will probably be a hazy orange hew, a phenomenon known as skyglow. Skyglow is used to describe the largely unnatural luminance of the night sky and is a major aspect of light pollution. It is typically caused by the scattering of up-ward bound light by particles in the atmosphere. Increased levels of air pollution, dust, and foggy weather conditions can affect the appearance and severity of skyglow.

 

Skyglow is just one aspect of light pollution with the main components also composing of light trespass, glare, and clutter. Light trespass describes the lack of control of outdoor lighting when light shines where it is unneeded and unwanted. Glare is a sensation that causes discomfort when faced with an excessive, bright light. It can cause lower visibility. The last component, clutter, refers to excessive groupings of light, mostly found in over-lit urban areas.

 

Light pollution is primarily caused by the overuse of lights in cities as well as the use of low quality lights and lighting fixtures. Lighting fixtures should be used to direct the light downward, not allowing light to pass it’s horizontal axis. If the light does escape, this unshielded light goes upward into our atmosphere and is the source of skyglow.

 

Certain colored lights also have different effects.

 

This not only affects people's ability to casually stargaze, an activity that can be enjoyable and calming, but it also affects professional astronomers.

 

To escape urban light pollution, astronomers must travel to less inhabited areas or attempt to implement “dark sky” preserves. These are areas that restrict artificial light pollution and typically surround observatories or parks. Astronomers tend to flock to these locations as they offer the best chance to observe the night sky without unnatural light interference.

 

Getting these areas protected can be a challenging process and regulations need to be met, although these differ through different organizations. Relocating to these locations can also be an expensive and time consuming action for astronomers.

 

Time exposure photos are now becoming ineffective due to the length of time it takes for skyglow to fog the film and hide what was captured. This requires a lower exposure time which results in dimmer features no appearing on the film.

 

Light pollution can also affect animals. Nocturnal animals are finding their nighttime world drastically changes, appearing to be day time. This is especially true with birds who migrate at night. They use the moon and stars to navigate but become confused and disoriented when seeing bright, poorly shielded lights.

 

This can affect sea turtles in a similar way. When baby sea turtles hatch, they use the moon to guide their way to the ocean. However, artificial lights can draw them instead, leading them in the wrong direction and causing many deaths.

 

Implementing higher quality light fixtures, specific light colors, and reducing the unnecessary use of light fixtures are all ways to combat these issues. We can help animals and humans alike by reducing our light waste.