2015 International Year of Light and light-based technologies
Dark Skies Awareness
In most large cities of the world, it is no longer possible to appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Inefficient public lighting both wastes energy and causes “light pollution” that hides our universe from us. This page will provide links and resources to explain the adverse impacts of lighting on local environments and provide information on how you can help, and where you can go to see a dark sky near you.
What is Light Pollution?
«Light Pollution» is a form of environmental degradation in which excessive artificial outdoor lightings, such as street lamps, neon signs, and illuminated sign boards, affect the natural environment and the ecosystem. The wasteful light emitted directly upwards or reflected upwards from poorly-designed artificial light sources can be scattered by clouds, fog, and pollutants like suspended particulates in the atmosphere. The night sky is thus brightened, leading to a reduced number of stars visible in the sky due to a decrease of the light contrast.