Light Pollution

Light pollution is excessive and inappropriate artificial light. The four components of light pollution are often combined and may overlap: Urban Sky Glow the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas. Light Trespass light falling where it is not intended, wanted, or needed. Light pollution, also known as photopollution or luminous pollution, is the excessive, misdirected or invasive use of artificial outdoor lighting. Mismanaged lighting alters the color and contrast of the nighttime sky, eclipses natural starlight, and disrupts circadian rhythms, which affects the environment, energy resources, wildlife, humans and astronomy research. The threat of light pollution continues to grow as the demand for artificial light increases each year. Luminous pollution, unlike other forms of contamination and waste, can be contained and/or reduced by improving outdoor lighting practices. Remember that outdoor lighting serves a purpose – to provide visibility and safety at night, but lighting that exceeds its purpose can quickly become offensive to others. Here are some simple tips to help you reduce light pollution without sacrificing your comfort or safety. Luminous pollution is caused by using outdoor lights when and where they are not necessary. Poorly designed residential, commercial, and industrial outdoor lights also contribute significantly to light pollution. Unshielded light fixtures emit more than 50% of their light skyward or sideways. In many instances, only 40% of the light emitted actually illuminates the ground. Luminous pollution has dire effects on our environment and resources of energy as well as wildlife ecology and astronomical research. Light pollution also affects the quality of life and safety of humans. Here are some of known side effects of light pollution.