Society/Issues/Environment/Light Pollution

Society / Issues / Environment / Light Pollution /

Light Pollution (also called obtrusive lighting, photopollution and luminous pollution) is not the opposite of heavy pollution, but is pollution caused by the increasing use of urban, and now rural, outdoor lighting which has deemed many countries practically unsuitable for observations using astronomical telescopes. This form of pollution affects the polluter's pocket as well as astronomers; drivers (by dazzling them); neighbours or nearby residents, and wildlife (both plants and animals). People are only just beginning to realise that there is a problem, even though it has been around for half a century now, and has been gradually getting worse and more rural. The sites in this category are helpful to people who are affected by or wish to tackle a lighting problem, or people who wish to help by installing more environmentally-friendly lighting. Good lights are not too bright, and do not blot out the sky; they save energy and give us back something like the dark skies that people enjoyed long ago. The light from the rest of the universe takes hundreds, thousands or millions of years to reach our eyes. What a pity to lose it in the last moments of its journey through a wasteful source of light near you. So, think before you install your next light. (Last two paragraphs adapted from old Campaign for Dark Skies homepage) If you are interested in combating light pollution contact one of the many regional dark-sky (i.e.: anti-light-pollution) groups listed.
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Ranked Sites

Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP)

Information on how light pollution affects birds, and what steps must be taken to save the lives of birds by reducing lighting.

6
4,143,870
NA
65,700,000
2,250
943

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

The IESNA is the authority on the lighting industry in the USA, Canada and Mexico and one of the forerunners in the control of this form of pollution. Information available on manufacturers, acceptable designs and ...

7
1,247,081
NA
NA
NA
759

Sensible and Efficient Lighting to Enhance the Night-time ...

SELENE is working to eliminate inappropriate lighting in New York. Extensive website with facts and information about helping to fight for better lighting legislation in the city.

4
18,493,554
NA
NA
NA
NA

International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)

A non-profit member organization that teaches others how to preserve the night sky through factsheets, law references, pictures, and web resources.

7
771,144
NA
NA
NA
408

The Fraser Valley Astronomers' Society

A local astronomy site with comprehensive information about the local darksky park including directions; as well as videos on the problem, and information about its effects on health and astronomy.

5
24,391,924
NA
48,000
4,050
NA

Virginia Outdoor Lighting Taskforce (VOLT)

Promotes the use of safe and efficient outdoor lighting. Comprehensive website with everything there is to know on the problem in Virginia and the latest on VOLT's campaign for better lighting ordinances.

4
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

Dark Skies for Northern Ireland

Explains the problem in Northern Ireland with photographs; maps of its extent, and information on its effect on residents and crime. Includes a message board, help on installing friendlier lighting fixtures, links and correspondence on ...

4
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

Skyglow across the Great Lakes

Images of sky glow from both sides of Lake Michigan in the USA.

4
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council (POLC)

Comprehensive information on the latest lighting situation in Pennsylvania with pictures, links, and guidance on how anyone can help. Home of Pennsylvanians for an Outdoor Lighting Control Act (POLCA).

4
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

Sydney Outdoor Lighting Improvement Society [SOLIS]

Includes a range of general information about how anyone can improve their outdoor lighting as well as information on how the group is combating the problem in Sydney.

5
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

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