How to dim the consequences of global light pollution

Key takeawaysGlobal light pollution has increased sharply over the past three decades and rises about 10% more each year.  Light pollution disturbs human and animal health and behavior. Artificial light can disrupt humans ’ biological clocks and cultural traditions and increases hazards when driving and walking. Too much light at the wrong time can confuse animals and interfere with natural life cycles and patterns.A new report outlines measures that can preserve natural darkness and combat light impacts.Our ancestors could look up and see the Milky Way — our galaxy — as a large band of white light stretching across the sky. Because of light pollution, that’s no longer the case.One study estimated that 60% of Europeans and 80% of Americans have never seen it at all.Light pollution comes from artificial lights that shine upward and create skyglow, a brightening of the night sky that obscures stars and other celestial objects. This excess light is increasing by approximately 10% per year.  Light pollution comes from artificial lights that shine upward and reflect off atmospheric particles, creating skyglow, a brightening of the night sky that obscures stars and other celestial objects. This excess light is increasing by approximately 10% per year.The threats of artificial light — and recommendations to minimize it — are the subject of “The World at Night, ” a 160-page report published by the Dark Sky Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature,...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news