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...