Light pollution can be defined as the dispersion of excess light that comes out of artificial sources of lighting towards the atmosphere, which causes the brightness in the night sky to be more intense and the stars are not seen well, the more problems. Light pollution has more serious consequences than is usually thought. It is true that living beings have adapted throughout their evolution their rhythm of life (biorritm) to astronomical cycles, such as the alternation between day and night, but it seems that the human being has again entrusts himself in the natural course and threat with altering these biorers “eliminating” the night. It is therefore something obvious, that light pollution has serious consequences on living beings, including us.
In ecology, we capture your attention to talk about this undervalued form of pollution of the night skies in this article about What is light pollution, its causes and consequences.
What is light pollution
Light pollution consists of Dispersion of light surpluses from artificial lighting sources for the atmosphere that causes the brightness over the night sky. This Brillo increases Because of the properties of reflection and refraction of the light when crossing the particles found in our atmosphere.
Generally, light pollution is due to Poor lighting qualityand produces as a consequence that the visibility of the celestial bodies of the sky decreases overnight.
Light pollution encompasses various problems associated with misuse of artificial lightoften unnecessary which involves both waste in energy consumption and in the associated economic.
It is true that lighting provides great advantages such as safety, traffic fluidity or capture attention to areas of interest. However, great costs and inconveniences also entail. It is not about eliminating these sources of lighting, but find a balance that respects our environment.
Therefore, it is logical to think that light pollution is increased in places where artificial lighting abounds, such as big citiesnormally with poor management about them. This is because its design is guided by aesthetics and not for its functionality, taking into account the repercussions they may have.
Causes of light pollution
As mentioned above, the main cause of this type of pollution is the misuse of artificial lighting. But what is this? Well, most lampposts have a wrong design by sending the light that emit up, that is, towards the sky (for example, those round lamps that look like a light ball). However, where that light really is needed is on the ground, so that to illuminate this area it is necessary to administer a greater power, producing the energy waste.
However, evil shielding of the exterior lighting is not the only cause. Other sources of very large light intensities contribute in light pollution (Overlumination), These causes of light pollution are:
- The projectors or laser cannons.
- Excessive lighting For advertising purposes.
- The absence of an efficient off and ignition schedulesince in many occasions the lighting is unnecessary for the activities provided in that certain area.
It is important to consider that the consequences originated by light pollution do not simply affect the area where it occurs, such as large population nuclei, commercial areas, industrial polygons, roads and communication roads, etc., but its effect is spread through the atmosphere, leaving a trace many kilometers further from where it originated.
Consequences of light pollution
The most direct and immediate consequence of light pollution is the Night sky degradation and the loss of visibility. When it occurs at high intensities, the night sky acquires a reddish or orange hue.
However, this is not the only sequel that has this type of pollution, among them we can also highlight the following:
- Energy loss with the consequent economic loss. The consequences of light pollution are not limited to the economic expenditure of the excess energy invested in it, but also to the consequent abuse of the natural resources that are needed to achieve it, that is, again nature is the only one that “pays for our whims.”
- Excessive energy consumption generates Greater amounts of waste during its production, which contributes to climate change.
- Alters the natural cycles of many species by causing modifications in their activity-disagree biorhythms.
- Derived from the modification of biorhythms, it can produce fatigue, insomnia or anxietyamong others.
- Seriously affect the trophic chains in which the nightclub animalssince its hunting capacity is compromised and, therefore, its diet.
We recommend you read this other article about why in the cities the stars are not seen.
Possible light pollution solutions
- Directly direct Thelumination points.
- Wear Low intensity and efficient lights.
- Implement urban policies that limit the use of lights, both in quantity and in intensity. This should include that the lights that focus directly to heaven are prohibited.
- Place movement sensors for ignition and off or timers.
- Turn off the lights When they are not used.
- Create awareness on the consequences of light pollution.
- Support research to achieve more efficient lighting.
If you want to inform yourself more about possible solutions for light pollution, we recommend you read this other article.
If you want to read more articles similar to Light pollution: what is, causes and consequenceswe recommend that you enter our pollution category.
