This is an image of the amount of light pollution that can be found around the world in the night sky. It represents many billions of dollars wasted annually. It also represents the waste of huge quantities of our diminishing energy reserves (plus needless greenhouse gas emissions). Clearly the highest percentage of light pollution can be found in industrial nations, mostly coming from the US, Western Europe, East Asia. What this means is that in these areas, there are great amounts of excessive lighting that shine up into the night sky and give the night sky the appearance of having a hazy glow, known as sky glow. Sky glow, occurs mostly in cities where outdoor lighting is most frequently used, without night friendly lighting fixtures. All of this excess light does absolutely nothing to improve night time visibility (the primary reason for lights in the first place).
The amount of light pollution around the world has been recorded by the Defense Metereological Satellite Program (DMSP) of the United Stated Air Force, since the early seventies. The measurement is based on upward light emitted in these areas of heavy lighting on the Earth’s surface. Since the late 1990s quantitative information has been made available on these materials. These satellites give only information on the amount of light emitted, they do not discuss the effects of excessive nighttime lighting on the Earth.
There are many different forms and ways to view light pollution on Earth, using different instuments. These purpose of these instruments and these studies, is not to merely see the amount of light pollution on Earth, but to raise awareness on a very significant issue, light pollution. In the most simplest form, one can simply look up into the sky and see the bright, cloudy appearance that the night-sky has in overly lit areas. Unfortunately sky glow, and light pollution is growing and spreading even into more rural areas. Maps of naked eye stellar visibility prove these facts, as they show the disappearing amount of stars visible to the naked eye.
Starry Night Lights is a company dedicated to preserving the night-sky, and the privilege of looking into sky and seeing the stars and wonders of the sky. We carry outdoor lighting products that allow you to light your home in the way that you please, while at the same time protecting the environment and the privacy of you neighbors. Our lights are guaranteed to light needed areas and are designed to face downward and not upward into the night sky.
Those individuals, who aim to reduce light pollution, know the importance of using appropriate outdoor lighting systems that do not shine light aimlessly into the night sky. However many individuals, though they may encounter light pollution everyday, are actually unaware of the fact that it even exists. Light pollution is caused by excessive lighting shining brightly into the night sky. Excessive lighting is most frequently seen from: shopping centers, restaurants, corporate buildings, homes and so forth. Often time, these places have lights shining at impractical times, the lights typically shine up into the sky instead of downwards toward the ground, and thus the night sky becomes covered in a hazy blanket making the stars impossible to see.
As a result, many individuals are fighting back to reduce pollution and to save the night sky. In fact, this year the week of March 29th to April 4th is dedicated to this mission, this week is known as National Dark-Sky Week. It comes every year at a different time, typically coming in April at the time of a new moon. This week is designed to encourage individuals to reduce their outdoor lighting in order to temporarily reduce light pollution.
It may seem strange to think that a week of reducing outdoor lighting could actually help reduce light pollution in the long run. After all seven days of reduced lighting could not have the power to keep light pollution away. But, this week is not designed to merely reduce light pollution for a short period of time; its bigger purpose is to raise awareness. As mentioned above, many individuals do not even know what light pollution is, even though they can easily see it everyday by just looking into the night sky. The hope is that by encouraging individuals to reduce outdoor lighting, and to use appropriate. sky friendly fixtures which face downward and not up into the sky, we can make people aware of what light pollution is and assist them in taking the appropriate steps in making their home night-sky friendly.
National Dark-Sky Week only happens once a year, but its impact could be felt everyday if our goal is met. Please join in with us this week and cut unneeded outdoor lighting! Take time this week to look into the night sky and see its splendor. Is this a site we can afford to lose? Of course not!!! We at Starry Night Lights say give it a try and consider the results on both the environment and your pocket. Save the night sky, use night-sky friendly outdoor lighting fixtures and keep light from shining where it is not needed
Could there possibly be an event in nature more captivating than a movie? Yes, in fact there is… the night sky. The night sky is filled with many wonders that have awed people, from ancient times to today. The night sky is rarely boring, with constellations, shooting stars and the like. In addition, it’s essentially free, accessible and you do not have to worry about not being able to see the screen because someone tall is sitting in front of you! Yet, most of us have not really taken advantage of this free show.
Several months ago some friends and I, decided to spend the night under the stars. We had heard that there was supposed to be a lot of shooting stars that night and we decided that we were going to get front-row seats! To make the night, a night to remember we made sure that we had everything we would need for a couple hours; we got dressed warm, brought some blankets, coffee, water and a camera. We drove to a near by field and laid down some blankets. It was a great time, as we drank hot coffee and watched shooting stars fly across the sky. We even competed to see who could see the most. It was a wonderful time, we were all relaxed and in good spirits and by the end of the night we had each see at least 15 shooting stars!
That night we could have easily gone to see a movie and we would have spend about $7 dollars a piece, but instead we decided to watch a show better than a movie. I would highly encourage anyone to do the same; its a great way to be entertained, have fun and to get some quality time with the ones you love. I remember all of us huddled together chatting, waiting to see which direction the shooting star would come from. It was a memorable night and we decided to name our online photo album “A blanket, shooting stars and a camera”. We at Starry Night Lights would like to encourage you to also enjoy the night sky, go ahead and take advantage of the one of the greatest shows one Earth!
A starry night can be one of the greatest sights to behold. In fact, our night sky has many ‘attractions’ that are both beautiful and amazing, unfortunately many people are unaware of these ‘attractions’ of the night. This is mostly because they cannot see them. Yes, many beautiful features of the night are clouded by light pollution, which is a result of light shining into the night sky. Light pollution is most severe in excessively lit areas, where most lights remain lit all night and shine aimlessly into the sky. If you’d like to help preserve the wonder and beauty of the night sky, help us by showing your support for Starry Night Lights!
By simply lighting what is needed, during the appropriate time and at the necessary level, light pollution can greatly be reduced. It is not difficult to make these steps and if you enjoy seeing the stars at your home, it is definitely worth it. There are many sorts of products that can make reducing light pollution possible. Here are some of these products:
Make a great appliance in lighting because they keep lights from coming on when no one is there to use them. Also, they are effective in lighting an area when the time is right and not lighting when it is not needed. Lastly, they can even be used as a semi alarm, by serving as a tool which could alert to possible danger.
Provides an excellent way to only light the area that needs to be lit. Sometimes when we light our homes we light areas that we know we will not use or sometimes these areas are lit on accident. But by using area lighting you are ensuring that you are lighting the areas that you intend to light.
Light pollution is a great hinderance in enjoying the night sky. By taking the appropriate steps to reduce light pollution you are in a sense ’saving the night’. Unfortunately some areas of the world are so heavily lit that it is impossible to see any stars! This keeps individuals from enjoying: constellations, shooting stars, comets, the Milky Way and so much more. Save the night for both you and your children and light your home conservatively and wisely, choose lighting that lights the correct areas at the right time!
As the years go by, the sky becomes brighter and brighter and it now gives off a glow which makes it almost impossible to see the stars, planets and other treasure of the night. This is the effect of light pollution, which is now considered to be as dangerous as the many other forms of pollution. Light pollution keeps expanding as cities grow and urbanization increases, it has become difficult even in rural areas to see the stars because of the growing effect of light pollution.
The International Dark-Sky Association has made it its mission to reduce light pollution around the world. Such cities as Quebec in Canada have made efforts to reduce the amount of aimless light that shines up into the sky. Thus they have been highly commended by the International Dark-Sky Association. The International Dark-Sky Association measures the amount of light pollution emitted by cities all over the world. Quebec is at a level 3 (relatively low), while the city of New York is ranked at a 9 (relatively high).
The International Dark-Sky Association has pushed for legislation which would regulate the amount of light pollution and wasted energy, in order to conserve energy and stop aimless and wasteful light, shining into the night sky. Such places as parking lots, malls and even homes, have lights shining directly up into the sky, even though no one is benefiting from the light. Thus, the International Dark-Sky Association and Starry Night Lights seek to reduce the amount of light pollution being emitted into the sky and hope to stop useless light shining into the night sky. Starry Night Lights offers individuals energy efficient and night friendly lighting. Starry Night Lights lights are designed not to shine up into the sky (ex. wall scones), and light only the areas that need to be lit (ex. area lighting). This way one can enjoy the night and keep their light from aimlessly shining into neighbors homes and into the dark night.
Light Pollution is the ‘excess’ light created by mankind. It has many negative effects on our world and on us; it effects species of wildlife, has negative health effects and it hides the stars from view. It is most severe in highly industrialized and populated places of the world, such as places in: North America, Europe, and Japan. Light pollution is similar to other forms of pollution, like air, water and noise pollution; all have ill effects on our environment.
There are several forms of light pollution: light trespass, over illumination, glare and sky glow. All of these forms are caused by inefficient and unnecessary lighting. Light trespass is unwanted lighting which enters individuals property, over illumination is excessive lighting, glare occurs when light shine into the eyes of individuals, sky glow in the glow in the night sky which appears in overly lit areas.
The negative consequences of light pollution are broad and diverse. On one hand a great deal of energy is wasted from excessive and unnecessary lighting. In many cases malls, corporate buildings, parking lots and even homes remain lit the entire evening, even when no one is around is use the lighting. Light pollution also negative affects on our health, it can cause: increased amount of headaches, fatigue, stress, anxiety and some studies have indicated that it may have link to possible breast cancer cancer. This is because inability to produce nocturnal melatonin.
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.
We at Starry Night Lights are huge fans of the stars and constellations and we would like to encourage you take up star gazing. It is a fun and easy way to enjoy the night and the beauty of our world. Getting started is easy; you do not even need a telescope! There are many things that you can see with your naked eye, and if you want a closer look binoculars are also a useful tool.
101: The most obvious and recognizable object in our night sky is the moon. It can even be clearly seen in the daytime, though in a different form than at night. We can also see five of the nine planets, with our naked eye as well. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, are all bright enough to be seen, though rarely all at the same time. The planet that is the easiest to spot is Venus, which is said to the third brightest object in the sky.
There are also many famous stars and constellations which grace the night sky. We discuss a few that are popular and relatively easy to find in the winter sky. The most famous or most easily recognized constellation is the Big Dipper, which makes up part of Ursa Major. Close to the Big Dipper is the star Polaris or the North Star, which is the brightest star of Ursa Minor. Polaris is practically in direct unison with the Earth’s axis, causing it to appear motionless, with the other stars revolving around it. As a result it has served as a navigational guide for many different peoples. In addition to the Big Dipper, Orion the Hunter is the second most famous constellation. This is mostly because of three stars which make up the belt of the Orion and serve as locators in finding the other constellations. Hanging from Orion’s Belt is his sword. The sword is home to the winter sky’s most amazingly accessible deep sky object, the Orion Nebula. This beautiful, stellar nursery is a birthing place for stars and can be faintly seen with the naked eye, though binoculars or a telescope are required to see the wonderful details that it contains within. To the north of Orion the Hunter, lays another famous constellation, Taurus the Bull, whose star Aldebaran gives off an orange glow. While below Orion the Hunter, lays the brightest star, Sirius ‘the Dog Star’. At the upper left of Orion, one can find the red supergiant star Betelgeuse, which is about a thousand times the diameter of the Sun. Also in this same direction one can find a pair of stars, known as Gemini or the Twins. South of the belt one will find the blue supergiant Rigel, while above Orion lays Capella in Auriga or the Charioteer. Lastly, to the east of Orion’s shoulder lays the constellation Canis Manor the Little Dog. After learning how to recognize these constellations and stars, other less apparent constellations will be a breeze to find.
As years go by and light pollution continues to plague our atmosphere, we are losing our privilege to look into the night sky and see stars. Yes, light pollution is clouding our night sky and keeping us from enjoying; stars, constellations and the other treasures of the night sky. Little by little, stars that exist in the sky are disappearing from our sight. In all honesty this situation is very saddening, and just as certain species have suffered extinction, we are allowing our stars to become ‘extinct’. Meaning that though they may exist, we cannot see them or enjoy them, making them appear extinct.
(Example of Light Pollution)
Consequences of light pollution are not merely limited to being able to see the stars, they also include, large amounts of energy and money wasted on aimless lighting. We at Starry Night Lights understand that lights can be comforting, especially at night. We are not pushing to stop lighting at night, but rather we are pushing for effective and practical lighting. Meaning that lights on commercial buildings, billboards, shopping malls, car dealerships and empty parking lots- do not need to remain on at night with them serving no practical purpose! If one actually pays attention to this fact, one will realize that billions of dollars and energy are being spent for no sensible reason, while such money could be put into improving education or other practical purposes.
We are not picking a vain fight, its simple really- do not light what does not need to be lit! By doing so, we will all be saving money, energy and the beauty of the night sky. Think about it, what if you looked up into the night sky and you could not see the stars… how would you feel, would you not be disappointed that you had not taken time to have enjoyed them earlier? Would regret not taking the steps to keep the stars shining and visible?
If one is skeptical about these things, there is a little experiment that can be done to understand the extent of light pollution. Go into the city and try to see the stars, afterwards go into the country or a less lit area and then try to see the stars. It will then be clear, that light pollution does exist, and that it serves as a cloud hiding the beauty of the night and the dazzle of the stars.
The ancients often looked to the sky and to constellations and stars, to find their way as they traveled at night. As a result the importance of the stars as indication ‘markers’ grew substantially. Thus, certain stars and constellations have become common and recognizable symbols in our night sky. The most popular of these is the Big Dipper, made up of seven stars which make up Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Other recognizable night markers include the Planet Venus, which is said to be the brightest object in the sky after the sun and moon. Of course, the most obvious marker of the night is the Moon which serves as a ‘night light’ for the entire world.
In addition to Venus and the Moon, four other planets can be easily seen: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The three remain planets: Neptune, Uranus and Pluto were not discovered by scientist until recently, with the help of better technology.
Meteors (shooting stars), comets, are also special features of our night sky. Meteors can actually be seen on a regular basis, though for a period of less than a second. They are the most glorious, when seen in groups through ‘meteor showers’. We see meteor showers when the earth comes in contact with particles outside of our atmosphere. They are a special treat that can be seen almost annually.
