The loss of the dark night sky has had strong consequences on the ability and opportunity to see the Milky Way in the night sky. Just as light pollution has kept many stars out of view, similar effects have made the Milky Way difficult to impossible for most to see. The Milky Way, our home galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy, which means that its center is bar-shaped, and consists of millions of stars. Though there are many galaxies in our universe, the planet Earth is part of the Milky Way galaxy, making this galaxy particularly special. The Milky is visible from Earth and appears as a ‘band of light’ in the night sky. It has been this view which has made the Milky Way grand and unique. Unfortunately light pollution is clouding our ability to view the Milky Way in its full glory.

According to many astronomers a good deal of the world’s population (3/4 of Americans) already cannot see views like this of the Milky Way (taken by Anthony in the Uinta Mountains  of northern Utah… about 90 minutes east of Salt Lake City) It becomes visible during summer months. This is the result of light pollution, caused by excessive outdoor lighting, during night time hours. The lighting comes from various sources, such as: corporate buildings, stores, homes, street lights and so forth.

If the exterior lighting situation does not improve, it is possible that most of the ‘developed’ world will will lose the opportunity to look up into the night sky and its multitude of stars, comets, planets and, of couse, the Milky Way. In fact, most urban dwellers can see little more than a few dozen of the literally thousands that should be visible. However, left unchecked, this problem could even spread to areas that are less populated. This is why we at Starry Night Lights are fighting for the health and preservation of the night sky, by providing ‘dark sky friendly’ outdoor lighting. Our lights are designed to be energy efficient and to only shine down, where the light is needed. This way we can all enjoy the glory of the night sky.