7/7/2023 0 Comments Dark moonlight skyWith the newest generation of ground-based observatories coming online and conducting cutting-edge research into dark matter, exoplanets around distant stars, and other thought-provoking astronomical and cosmological questions, preserving their ability to do this science is more important than ever.Ĭredit: Bill Schoening, J.C.Golson, Mark Hanna and NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/ The obvious impact of increased light pollution is the threat it poses to mountaintop sites where major world-class astronomical facilities, such as NOIRLab’s Kitt Peak National Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, operate. All of these add into the mix of why you might really only be able to see the Moon in the midst of a brightly-lit city. Prevalent external sources such as streetlights, car headlights, and bright advertising billboards all contribute to the decreased visibility of the starry night sky, and the advent of new efficient illumination devices such as light-emitting diodes (or LEDs) has had notable repercussions as well. Urban life is synonymous with glimmering city lights at night, and, as attractive as that sounds, light pollution has dramatically increased because of it. The answer lies in global urbanization and the technological advancement of the last century. Why is that? An estimated 83% of people on Earth live under light-polluted skies that essentially wash out the Milky Way. In fact, an estimated 83% of people on Earth live under light-polluted skies that essentially wash out the Milky Way. Ask your next-door neighbor, your coworker, maybe even your friend who goes on hikes, and you might be hard pressed to find someone who has actually seen our home Galaxy. Tafreshi Why is the Night Sky So Important?Īs incredible as this sounds, the fact is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to experience these awe-inspiring sights. ![]() Turn around and look at the sky: the only things producing that light are the stars of the Milky Way itself.Ĭredit: KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/B. Blanco 4-meter Telescope, you could see the faint outline of your body against its outer white walls. If you were to stand on the summit of Cerro Tololo on a moonless night right next to the Víctor M. Surely that must already be the showstopper - but wait, there's more. Our home galaxy is blazing overhead, and if conditions are just right, you may even see your shadow cast by light reflected by Venus. On a dark night at the right time of year, in just the right place on the planet, it seems as if the entire Milky Way, and even a few galaxies beyond, are visible to the naked eye. And, believe it or not, the night sky can indeed stop you in your tracks. Aside from those lucky enough to visit National Parks, that is about as good as it gets for most of the people in the United States a pleasant view of the stars and brightest planets, but nothing that stops you in your tracks. Travel to a more rural area, however, and a summertime evening stroll would likely showcase hundreds of stars and clearly delineated constellations. What you won’t be able to enjoy, however, is a vibrant night sky. ![]() If you happen to live in a large city or major metropolitan area, you certainly have the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. ![]() Why is the dark night important, and what can we do to protect it?
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