LIGHT

POLLUTION
ILLUMINATING THE DARK
SIDE

By: Taranpreet Singh

Table of
Contents
Page

I Introduction to light pollution 3

II Types and causes of light pollution 4

III Growth and impacts of light pollution 6

IV Mitigation recommendations 8

V Observational Data & Conclusion 9

 I Introduction to light pollution

• Definition of Light Pollution

⚬ Light pollution is the presence of
unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive
artificial lighting.[1]
⚬ It obscures the night sky, disrupts
ecosystems, and impacts human health
and well-being.

(Source:
[Link]
o_share_this_photo_to_show_how/)

[1]."Light Pollution". International Dark-Sky Association.

 Types of Light Pollution
• Skyglow: Brightening of the night sky over urban
areas due to scattered light from artificial sources.
• Glare: Excessive brightness that causes visual
discomfort and reduces visibility, often caused by
unshielded lights.
• Light Trespass: Unwanted or intrusive light that
spills over into areas where it is not needed or
desired.
• Light Clutter: Presence of numerous, confusing, and
unnecessary lights, hindering clear perception of the
night environment.

Source: [Link]
[Link]
Northern Indian Light Pollution Growth

• In recent years, Northern India has

experienced significant light pollution growth
due to urban expansion and increased artificial
lighting.
• A picture comparison over the past decade
reveals the stark contrast between the night
sky's luminosity, indicating the rapid
encroachment of artificial light.

Light pollution map of India in (a) 2012 and (b) 2022. (Source:
[Link]).
Impact on the Environment and Human Life
⚬ The overabundance of artificial light at night has far-
reaching consequences for various aspects of our lives
and the ecosystem.
⚬ Light pollution affects wildlife behavior, migration[2],
and reproduction, disturbing the natural balance of
ecosystems.
⚬ Human circadian rhythms and sleep patterns are
disrupted by exposure to artificial light, leading to
potential health issues.[3]
(Source: Figure modified from Rich & Longcore, 2006)

[2]Burt, C. S. et al. (2023). The effects of light pollution on migratory animal behavior. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 38(4), 355-368.
[3]Falchi, Fabio, et al. "Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health, environment and stellar visibility." Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 92, no. 10, 2011, pp. 2714-
2722.
[4]Crawford, D. L. "Light pollution, an environmental problem for astronomy and for mankind." Memorie della Società Astronomia Italiana, vol. 71, 2000, pp. 11.
 Astronomical Implications
⚬ Light pollution obscures celestial objects, making it
challenging for astronomers and stargazers to observe and
study the universe.
⚬ Urban areas with high light pollution face limited visibility
of stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena.[4]
⚬ Preservation of dark skies[5] is essential for promoting
astronomical research and fostering a connection to the
cosmos.
(Source: [Link]
pollution-and-how-does-it-affect-views-through-my-telescope)

[4]Crawford, D. L. "Light pollution, an environmental problem for astronomy and for mankind." Memorie della Società Astronomia Italiana, vol. 71, 2000, pp. 11.
[5]Bjelajac, D., Đerčan, B. & Kovačić, S. Dark skies and dark screens as a precondition for astronomy tourism and general well-being. Inf Technol Tourism 23, 19–43 (2021).
Recommendations to Mitigate Light Pollution
• Use Shielded Lighting: Implement fully shielded fixtures to direct light downward and minimize upward light leakage.[6]
• Wavelength Management: Use warm-colored LEDs and filters to reduce blue light emissions.[6]
• Timed Lighting: Employ motion sensors and timers to activate lights only when needed.[7]
• Zoning Regulations: Develop and enforce light pollution regulations to control outdoor lighting.
• Educational Campaigns: Increase public awareness about light pollution's impact on health, wildlife, and astronomy.
• Preserve Dark Sky Areas: Establish protected areas with reduced artificial lighting to support nocturnal ecosystems.[5]
• Sustainable Design: Incorporate energy-efficient lighting designs that minimize light spill[6,7]
• Research Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary research to better understand and address light pollution's effects.
• Community Engagement: Involve citizens and local organizations in light pollution reduction efforts.
• Government Initiatives: Advocate for policy changes at local and regional levels to curb light pollution.

[6]Kolláth, Z. et al. (2016). Lighting remodelling in a Hungarian city based on light pollution effects. Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer, 181, 46-51.
[7]Gaston, K. J. et al. (2012). Reducing ecological consequences of light pollution. Journal of Applied Ecology, 49(6), 1256-1266.
 Sky Quality and Observational Data
• Introduction: Sky quality plays a crucial role in our ability to observe
celestial objects. In this study, I have investigated the quality of the night sky
in different locations and its impact on our observations.

• Observational Sites: I have conducted observations at multiple sites in the

Jammu region. These sites included suburban, and rural areas, each with
similar levels of light pollution. The adjacent figure shows the three sites
selected.

• Collected Data: My observations encompassed several parameters, such as

sky quality, naked eye limiting magnitude, humidity, cloud cover, moon
phase, and lux levels. These data points were collected over a span of several
months to capture varying environmental conditions.
(Source: [Link]

[8]A. Sánchez de Miguel and others, Sky Quality Meter measurements in a colour-changing world, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Volume 467, Issue 3, June 2017,
Pages 2966–2979,
 Research Results

Inference: The Line graph gives the mean Sky Quality of the Inference:The scatter chart above implies that climatic conditions
observational sites at 18.71 [Link]'s a range of around 0.42 such as Clouds and Humidity had minimal correlation with Sky
magnitudes between the lowest and highest values. The expected Quality. Hence, ruling out air pollution related factors.
mean Sky Quality was 20.21 SQM[9]

10
[9] [Link]
 Conclusion and Future Directions
• Conclusion: Our research sheds light on the impact of light pollution on the night sky quality
and its implications for astronomical observations. By analyzing a variety of factors, we have
gained valuable insights into how different aspects of the environment affect our ability to
observe celestial objects.
• Future Directions: As we move forward, we will conduct a comprehensive survey to understand
the public's perception of light pollution and its consequences. By engaging with a diverse
demographic, we aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action.
• Upcoming Survey: We are excited to announce that we will be conducting a survey to gauge the
awareness and attitudes of the community towards light pollution. This survey will provide a
holistic understanding of the issue and guide us in formulating effective solutions.
• Advancing Awareness: Through our research and upcoming survey, we aim to increase
awareness about light pollution and encourage actions that contribute to preserving the natural
beauty of our night skies.

[8]A. Sánchez de Miguel and others, Sky Quality Meter measurements in a colour-changing world, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Volume 467, Issue 3, June 2017,
Pages 2966–2979,
Thank you
for listening!

Questions? We welcome any questions or discussions you may have regarding our research and its
implications. Thank you for your time and attention.