Light Pollution Veils Starry Skies

Obscured night sky could be a health hazard
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 25, 2008 2:03 AM CDT
Light Pollution Veils Starry Skies
Light pollution, emanating from Philadelphia, is evident from over 30 miles away in Hockessin, Del., in this Thursday, May 26, 2005 file photo. e   (AP Photo/Pat Crowe II, FILE)

Dark skies are being engulfed by light all over the world, creating some unexpected consequences, the Wall Street Journal reports. Over two-thirds of the world's people— including nearly all Americans—can no longer see "what is possibly the most extraordinary natural wonder," said one astronomer. The amount of artificial light worldwide has tripled since 1970, and is suspected of causing some cancers.

Light pollution affects almost all the populated areas of the planet, including those far from big cities, researchers have found. Even in Death Valley, the bright lights of Las Vegas 120 miles away can obscure everything but the moon. A few cities have begun lighting reforms to restore the night sky, shielding streetlights and encouraging the use of low-wattage bulbs. (More star stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X