BellaOnline Forums Education Astronomy Light Pollution?

Is it still an issue for astronomers? Or are scientists simply moving the equipment farther and farther away from civilization?

Yes, Korie, light pollution is still an issue for astronomers. It's difficult to move everything away from civilization - civilization keeps encroaching on existing facilities.

This view from Palomar Mountain shows light sources which limit the astronomy that can be done. Over the years the population growth in the area has intensified the problem. (Credit: Caltech astronomy)

Cal Tech says:
However astronomy at some wavelengths is now no longer possible.

Light pollution isn't just a problem for astronomers. It means the loss of an amenity for all of us now and the generations that follow. It affects the natural world, can ruin our health, wastes resources, and what's more, we're paying for it!

Find out more: Light Pollution

This pair of pictures shows the effects of skyglow. The first picture (left) with its starry starry sky is Ontario on 14/08/03 the night of the East Coast USA Blackout. The second picture (right) is also Ontario on 15/08/03 the night after the Blackout where the lights are back on again and there weren't any stars visible.

Yes, the skyglow affects astronomers and destroys the beauty of the night sky which many people value aesthetically. But there's more to it than that. There is a lot of wasted energy going into lighting the sky, and the sky doesn't need lighting. What are the $$$ costs of that? What's the cost in wasted nonrenewable resources? And what about the carbon emissions? It's crazy.

It's not just astronomers who suffer from strong lights at night.

Since September 11, 2001, each year on the date two bright lights have been shone skyward from Manhattan's Financial District. In 2010 more than 10,000 birds flew into the beams and got trapped, unable to fly away. Because they are in their fall migration, the birds could be depleting crucial fat stores by flying endlessly in the light beams, unable to get away and continue their journey south. (Janet McCulley)

In this photo the white streaks are disoriented birds trapped in the light columns. (Photo: John de Guzman)

Hong Kong. According to a three-year study, released in 2013, Hong Kong is the most light polluted city on Earth. It’s 1,200 times brighter over Tsim Sha Tsui than a normal dark sky, posing a danger to health and wildlife. (Image: SCMP)