01. Photographer pick: Marek Nikodem
Marek is a nightsky photographer who has done photography focusing on the impact of light pollution on the night sky. One of Marek’s photo captions read: “Now, artificial lights overpower the darkness and our cities glow at night, disrupting the natural day-night pattern and shifting the delicate balance of our environment. Less than 100 years ago, everyone could look up and see a spectacular starry night sky. Now, billions of people across the globe will never experience the Milky Way where they live.” Marek is from Poland, and their work can be found at marek.nikodem.niki and ppsae.pl.
Light pollution can be reduced by using "smart" lighting systems that are designed to minimize light spill and glare. It also wastes energy and contributes to climate change. Photo by Marek Nikodem
02. Article pick: No Sleep, No Stars, No Migrating Birds: It’s Time We Talked About Light Pollution
This article in Forbes by Jamie Carter discusses light pollution and an art exhibit called “Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky” that deals with this unnerving topic. Carter states how 80% of humans live under light polluted skies, and points out how this can be dangerous for wildlife as well as dispiriting for those who wish to see the expanse of the universe just by looking at the night sky. This depressing aspect is upended by the uplifting aspect of the art exhibit, showing how humans can make art out of even a subject like this.
Light pollution can have a negative impact on wildlife, including birds, sea turtles, and insects. It can disrupt migration patterns and nesting habits. Photo by Francois Le Nguyen, Unsplash
03. Book pick: Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies
“Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies” by Bob Mizon goes in-depth into possible solutions to light pollution, strategies for implementing these, and how amateur astronomers can still find spots to view the night sky in its full beauty. Originally published in 2001, the newer addition in 2012 discusses the many developments in the field of light pollution since the original publication, such as anti-light pollution legislation in various countries, new departures in lighting design and human health implications.
04. Video pick: The problem of light pollution -- and 5 ridiculously easy ways to fix it
The title of this TED talk by astrophysicist Kelsey Johnson just about explains it. Through Johnson’s very listenable voice, she tells personal anecdotes about light pollution and goes into the hard science of possible solutions in a charismatic way. This 13-minute long video is good viewing for anyone interested in this subject and possible ways to fix it.
05. Quote of the Week
“I grew up in New York City where there is no night sky. Nobody has a relationship with the sky, because, particularly in the day, there was air pollution and light pollution, and you look up, and your sight line terminates on buildings. You know the sun and maybe the moon, and that's about it. So what happens is that I am exposed to the night sky as you would see it from a mountaintop, and I'm just struck by it. Suppose I grew up on a farm where I had that sky every night of my life - then you're not going to be struck by it. It's just the wallpaper of your nighttime dome.”
— Neil deGrasse Tyson