Last summer, I traveled 250 miles north for a camping trip in Petoskey, Michigan. The city is known for its views of Lake Michigan and being home to the Petoskey Stone, but this isn’t what made the trip so special to me. It was at nightfall when I looked up at the sky. The city was asleep, but the stars electrified the night sky. I was overcome with nostalgia for laying on the grass in my backyard as a child. I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen the stars as awe-inspiring as I did that night, but the blissful moment ended when I realized I would have to return to Ann Arbor where even a hazy glimpse of the stars is rare. Like myself, millions across the globe share the same longing for when the stars illuminated the sky.

 

So where did the stars go? 

          The skyglow restricting the night sky is rooted from light pollution. The International Dark-Sky Association defines light pollution as “the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light.” In our ever growing urbanized society, artificial light is everywhere. 

          The U.S. alone emits about 15 million tons of CO2 each year to power residential outdoor lighting. If all these lights were turned off, you would be able to see the Milky Way in the clear sky. 

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Who is affected? 

          The University of Michigan, which has been an important figure in the field of astronomy since 1856, is impacted by skyglow. Sally Oey from the University's Astronomy Department is especially concerned about the problem in Ann Arbor.

          “We have an observatory on top of Angel Hall,” Oey said. “We can see some things there, but it is very difficult to see things like nebulas and galaxies. These phenomena are some of the most beautiful objects in the universe and we can’t see those at all from Ann Arbor and that’s a real loss.”

          The problem is not limited to Ann Arbor. Millions across the globe are affected by the vanishing night sky. Las Vegas, Chicago, Paris, Madrid and Kyoto are among the brightest cities in the world. 

          Dylan Ma is an astrophotographer and University of Michigan graduate in B.S.E. Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Astronomy and Astrophysics. He describes these glowing cities as they impact his work. 

          “When I take pictures of the night sky, I can usually clearly see ‘light domes’ in the direction of cities and towns, obscuring that part of the image,” Ma said. “With more light pollution, astrophotography becomes more difficult, and my images of the night sky becomes washed out.”

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Why does it matter?

          Light pollution is an issue that matters because stars serve a unique purpose in every individual's life. 

          “I think it’s important to preserve the night sky because I personally am sad that I don’t get to see the stars too much anymore,” junior Nick Grosh said. “I also think the youth of today should have the chance of experiencing the real night sky first-hand.”

          Light pollution doesn’t just target the night sky; studies have shown that they impact entire ecosystems. For example, nocturnal bird migration patterns are being influenced by artificially illumination rather than the moonlight and starlight. Birds are seen migrating at the wrong times and running into light towers. 

          In an effort to protect wildlife, there are reserved locations such as national parks and marine protected areas. Michigan Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City is one of these locations protected by the International Dark-Sky Association. However, in recent years, light has even started leaking into these preserves which are assumed to provide refuge for wildlife. 

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So what’s the solution? 

          In a society that relies so heavily on artificial lighting, it is unrealistic to simply stop the use of lights to solve this issue. However, there is a middle-ground solution that addresses the needs of the urbanized world while working to preserve the night sky: illuminate only what you need and when you need it. 

          For example, the globe-shaped street lights in downtown Ann Arbor project light in all directions. This illuminates unnecessary areas instead of shielding the light toward downward angles only. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 35 percent of energy is wasted from poorly shielded outdoor lighting. Investing in full cutoff fixtures can tackle pollution within the community while saving energy and money in the long-run. 

          It is also important to consider the color temperature of lighting. Instead of choosing blue lights, which have high energy waves that increase environmental repercussions, warm-toned lighting options should be utilized. The City of Ann Arbor revised The Sign and Outdoor Advertising Ordinance on Dec. 13, 2019, to include more regulations on intensity of illuminated signs. 

          The good news is, there is more awareness surrounding light pollution, and many organizations and government officials are working towards change. One of the leading figures in the movement is The International Dark-Sky Association. They are working all around the globe to preserve the night skies, and one of their locations is right here at the University of Michigan. The Michigan Dark-Sky Association works specifically in the Ann Arbor area to raise awareness and advocate for alternative lighting solutions. The City of Ann Arbor is also developing a lighting ordinance to tackle the problem within the community.