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Light pollution

2001-08-09 15:37:20+00 by Dan Lyke 3 comments

Study says artificial light prevents 1 in 5 humans from seeing Milky Way.

"The thing that struck me is there are large numbers of people who really have lost the panorama of the night sky -- that's no longer available to them because there is so much of this sky brightness," said Chris Elvidge...

[ related topics: Nature and environment Space & Astronomy ]

comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:32:27+00 by: Dylan

Yanno, I used to think people who bitched about light pollution were stupid. Then I moved to California.

Every time I go to the country I'm blown away at just how many stars there are and it makes me...well, awed would work...to see all those stars I hardly ever see. It's not just the Milky Way, it takes a special night for me to be able to spot Orion, and that's just pathetic.

I used to think light pollution was just something to whine about for those who have run out of causes. Now, I know it's evil.

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:32:27+00 by: Dan Lyke

Where I grew up we used to count the stars in the Pleiades. Now I'm amazed when I actually see 'em.

I also wonder about the economics of street lights and similar. Do they really prevent injury?

#Comment made: 2002-02-21 05:32:28+00 by: Mars Saxman

Between the overcast skies and the downtown lights all around me, I'm

lucky if I can see any stars at all.

I used to do backyard astronomy when I was a kid... now I have a hard

time even spotting the planets.

Let me tell you, I look at all the lights and sometimes I can't help but think:

pellet guns aren't that expensive...