The two charities latest joint annual Star Count Survey revealed that just over half (53 per cent) of 981 participants could see ten stars or fewer in the constellation of Orion in the skies above them-indicating that their area was affected by severe light pollution. In a study consisting of almost one thousand location reports, it was revealed that only one in ten (9 per cent) participants could see between 21 and 30 stars and just two per cent of people had truly dark skies, seeing 31 or more stars.
According to the charities, it shows that there has been no real improvement in the amount of wasted light polluting the night skies in recent years, despite increasing interest in saving money, reducing environmental damage and reducing the country’s CO2 footprint. A drop of just 1 per cent from 2007 to 2011 of the number of people living in severe light pollution was noted, from 54 per cent to 53 per cent.
Light pollution is caused by by domestic and industrial lighting, street lights, highway lighting and even by our cars. According to CfDS, there are many myths surrounding street and highway lighting. Drivers tend to feel safer because lighting gives them improved visibility, but as a result they are prone to increase their speed and reduce concentration, thus nullifying any perceived advantaged.
Emma Marrington, CPRE Rural Policy Campaigner, says: “When we saturate the night sky with unnecessary light, it damages the character of the countryside and blurs the distinction between town and country. But this isn’t just about a spectacular view of the stars; light pollution can also disrupt wildlife and affect people’s sleeping patterns.”
Bob Mizon, Campaign for Dark Skies Coordinator, says: “Light pollution is a disaster for anyone trying to study the stars. It’s like a veil of light is being drawn across the night sky, denying many people the beauty of a truly starry night. Many children growing up today will never see the Milky Way; never see the unimaginable glory of billions of visible stars shining above them.”
Light pollution, the orange glow you can often see in the night sky causes a number of problems; including damaging effects to human health, affects wildlife and interferes with ecosystems, has security implications and wastes huge amounts of money. Reducing this waste would also help the country cut its CO2 emissions.
