Light pollution is increasingly turning out to be threatening for migrating birds and is causing mass fatalities around the world, a new study has revealed.

According to media reports, around 1,000 migrating birds died in Chicago on Oct 4 and 5 after colliding with illuminated buildings. This incident raised concerns about how ‘stopover’ cities are increasingly becoming less hospitable for migrating birds.

According to a new study published in Nature Communications, finding a hospitable stopover is essential for mass bird migration to happen. It’s just like you embark on a long road journey, thus requiring stopovers to refuel and rest on the way.

<h2>Weather radar data used to map bird stopover density</h2>

Scientists used weather radar data to map bird stopover density and found that birds were landing more in the area which was illuminated with artificial lights.&nbsp;

The study pairs more than 10 million radar observations with landscape and other place-based information to try to explain why birds choose to rest where they do. Out of 49 predictors, light pollution was the No. 2 predictor of stopover density.

<h2>City lights—an ecological trap</h2>

City lights lure birds into what can be an ecological trap, said lead author Kyle Horton, an assistant professor in Colorado State University's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: This bird takes 10,000 naps a day

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Buildings that lead to collisions, less habitat, scarcer food, and more people and cats can make cities less-than-ideal rest stops for migrating birds, the study found.

<h2>Possible solutions</h2>

Scientists are divided regarding what should be the best way to tackle this menace—implement massive changes in urban centres to make them more hospitable or simply take steps to not let birds enter cities in the first place by running targeted light-out campaigns?

Some say a fine balance should be struck.

"We don't often think about light as a pollutant, but it checks all the boxes of what pollution is," Horton said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kiwi-chicks-born-in-new-zealand-capital-for-first-time-in-over-a-century-664595">Also read:&nbsp;Kiwi chicks born in New Zealand capital for first time in over a century</a>

Light pollution doesn’t negatively impact birds only but also humans.

It can disrupt humans' circadian rhythms, leading to health problems, including depression, insomnia, cardiovascular disease and cancer. For now, we have a simple solution to this crisis, observes Horton.

"If we turned off all lights tonight, there would be no birds colliding because of lights tonight," Horton said. "The impact is immediate and positive for birds."

(With inputs from agencies)

Light pollution is increasingly turning out to be threatening for migrating birds and is causing mass fatalities around the world, a new study has revealed. According to media reports, around 1,000 migrating birds died in Chicago on Oct 4 and 5 after colliding with illuminated buildings.

Light pollution is increasingly turning out to be threatening for migrating birds and is causing mass fatalities around the world, a new study has revealed. According to media reports, around 1,000 migrating birds died in Chicago on Oct 4 and 5 after colliding with illuminated buildings. This incident raised concerns about how ‘stopover’ cities are increasingly becoming less hospitable for migrating birds. According to a new study published in Nature Communications, finding a hospitable stopover is essential for mass bird migration to happen. It’s just like you embark on a long road journey, thus requiring stopovers to refuel and rest on the way. Weather radar data used to map bird stopover density Scientists used weather radar data to map bird stopover density and found that birds were landing more in the area which was illuminated with artificial lights. The study pairs more than 10 million radar observations with landscape and other place-based information to try to explain why birds choose to rest where they do. Out of 49 predictors, light pollution was the No. 2 predictor of stopover density. City lights—an ecological trap City lights lure birds into what can be an ecological trap, said lead author Kyle Horton, an assistant professor in Colorado State University's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Watch: Gravitas: This bird takes 10,000 naps a day × Buildings that lead to collisions, less habitat, scarcer food, and more people and cats can make cities less-than-ideal rest stops for migrating birds, the study found. Possible solutions Scientists are divided regarding what should be the best way to tackle this menace—implement massive changes in urban centres to make them more hospitable or simply take steps to not let birds enter cities in the first place by running targeted light-out campaigns? Some say a fine balance should be struck. "We don't often think about light as a pollutant, but it checks all the boxes of what pollution is," Horton said. Also read: Kiwi chicks born in New Zealand capital for first time in over a century Light pollution doesn’t negatively impact birds only but also humans. It can disrupt humans' circadian rhythms, leading to health problems, including depression, insomnia, cardiovascular disease and cancer. For now, we have a simple solution to this crisis, observes Horton. "If we turned off all lights tonight, there would be no birds colliding because of lights tonight," Horton said. "The impact is immediate and positive for birds." (With inputs from agencies)

Light pollution entrapping migrating birds in cities, leading to their death en masse: Study

New research has shown that America's rapid adoption of LED lighting might be saving money by using less electricity but it's making it harder to see the stars, due to increased light pollution.&nbsp;

The study published in the journal Science states that the night sky is getting 10 per cent brighter every year. The experts said the light pollution is being driven by the growth of cheaper, cleaner and brighter LED lighting.&nbsp;

Notably, it was in 2007 that the US Congress mandated that&nbsp;all lightbulbs be three times more efficient. Last month, the policy finally kicked into effect, effectively banning incandescent&nbsp;light bulbs in favour of LEDs and other compact fluorescents.&nbsp;

"Artificial lighting that escapes into the sky causes it to glow, preventing humans and animals from seeing the stars. Satellites can measure the light emitted upward, but they are not sensitive to all wavelengths produced by LED lighting or to light emitted horizontally," the study noted.&nbsp;

Consequently, the Milky Way is gradually disappearing from our view and so are the other fainter stars. For researchers, the absence of a dark sky means they are unable to peer deep into space and conduct their research.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/global-light-pollution-blurs-starry-nights-348">Global light pollution blurs starry nights</a>

Stephen Hummel, the dark skies senior outreach coordinator at the University of Texas' McDonald Observatory told CBS News:&nbsp;"The most common kinds you see, the sort of bright white ones, are absolutely making the problem much worse."<a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/global-light-pollution-blurs-starry-nights-348">&nbsp;</a>

According to the American Lighting Association, a body that represents lighting manufacturers,&nbsp;the problem of light pollution is "more extensive than originally thought". On being quizzed by about what was being done to alter the status quo, the body said&nbsp;many of its manufacturers now make shielded outdoor light fixtures to direct light away from the sky.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasa-spacecraft-to-visit-most-volcanic-world-in-solar-system-543521">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: NASA spacecraft to visit most volcanic world in solar system</a>

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Not only is light pollution hazardous for scientists looking into space and stars but it is also linked to disrupted sleeping patterns and bad health -&nbsp;in humans and animals both. One study even linked excessive lighting to the local insect decline while birds often killed themselves by hitting the brightly illuminated buildings.&nbsp;

Scientists argue that solving the light pollution problem is not really about money or infrastructure, albeit awareness. Light pollution is one of the few kinds of pollution that can be solved and is completely reversible - all it requires is a&nbsp;single flip of a switch.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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New research has shown that America's rapid adoption of LED lighting might be saving money by using less electricity but it's making it harder to see the stars, due to increased light pollution.

New research has shown that America's rapid adoption of LED lighting might be saving money by using less electricity but it's making it harder to see the stars, due to increased light pollution. The study published in the journal Science states that the night sky is getting 10 per cent brighter every year. The experts said the light pollution is being driven by the growth of cheaper, cleaner and brighter LED lighting. Notably, it was in 2007 that the US Congress mandated that all lightbulbs be three times more efficient. Last month, the policy finally kicked into effect, effectively banning incandescent light bulbs in favour of LEDs and other compact fluorescents. "Artificial lighting that escapes into the sky causes it to glow, preventing humans and animals from seeing the stars. Satellites can measure the light emitted upward, but they are not sensitive to all wavelengths produced by LED lighting or to light emitted horizontally," the study noted. Consequently, the Milky Way is gradually disappearing from our view and so are the other fainter stars. For researchers, the absence of a dark sky means they are unable to peer deep into space and conduct their research. Also Read | Global light pollution blurs starry nights Stephen Hummel, the dark skies senior outreach coordinator at the University of Texas' McDonald Observatory told CBS News: "The most common kinds you see, the sort of bright white ones, are absolutely making the problem much worse." According to the American Lighting Association, a body that represents lighting manufacturers, the problem of light pollution is "more extensive than originally thought". On being quizzed by about what was being done to alter the status quo, the body said many of its manufacturers now make shielded outdoor light fixtures to direct light away from the sky. WATCH | Gravitas: NASA spacecraft to visit most volcanic world in solar system × Not only is light pollution hazardous for scientists looking into space and stars but it is also linked to disrupted sleeping patterns and bad health - in humans and animals both. One study even linked excessive lighting to the local insect decline while birds often killed themselves by hitting the brightly illuminated buildings. Scientists argue that solving the light pollution problem is not really about money or infrastructure, albeit awareness. Light pollution is one of the few kinds of pollution that can be solved and is completely reversible - all it requires is a single flip of a switch. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

LEDs are contributing to light pollution and erasing our view of stars

Scientists have warned that the ability of humans to see the cosmos in the night sky may vanish&nbsp;in just 20 years because of light pollution. 
 
“The night sky is part of our environment and it would be a major deprivation if the next generation never got to see it, just as it would be if they never saw a bird’s nest,” said Martin Rees, the British astronomer royal, while speaking to The Guardian. 
 
“You don’t need to be an astronomer to care about this. I am not an ornithologist but if there were no songbirds in my garden, I’d feel impoverished,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spacecraft-discovers-how-jupiters-lightning-shares-similarity-with-earths-596297">NASA spacecraft discovers how Jupiter's lightning shares similarity with Earth's</a> 
 
In the last few years, the issue of light pollution has rapidly worsened, especially since 2016 when it was reported by astronomers that the Milky Way is no longer visible to almost a third of the population, as per Rees. 
 
Scientists stated that the increasing light pollution is now brightening up the night sky at a rate of around 10 per cent per year.

<h2>No cosmos for future generations</h2>

A child who is born in a place where 250 stars are currently visible in the night sky would be able to see only 100 by the time they reach the age of 18, stated Christopher Kyba, of the German Centre for Geosciences. 
 
“A couple of generations ago, people would have been confronted regularly with this glittering vision of the cosmos – but what was formerly universal is now extremely rare. Only the world’s richest people, and some of the poorest, experience that anymore. For everybody else, it’s more or less gone,” Kyba added.

WATCH |&nbsp;IIST: WION reports from Indian institute of space science and technology

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He further argued that the introduction of some changes to lighting can make a considerable improvement. These steps would include shielding outdoor lights and pointing them downwards, limiting the brightness of lights, and ensuring that they are not predominantly blue-white but have red and orange components. “Measures like that would have an enormous impact,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Prof Robert Fosbury, of the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London (UCL) claimed that bluish emissions of LEDs entirely lack any red or near-infrared light. “We are becoming starved of red and infra-red light and that has serious implications,” he stated. 
 
“When reddish light shines on our bodies, it stimulates mechanisms including those that break down high levels of sugar in the blood or boost melatonin production. Since the introduction of fluorescent lighting and later LEDs, that part of the spectrum has been removed from artificial light and I think it is playing a part in the waves of obesity and the rise&nbsp;in diabetes cases we see today,” Fosbury added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Scientists have warned that the ability of humans to see the cosmos in the night sky may vanish in just 20 years because of light pollution. “The night sky is part of our environment and it would be a major deprivation if the next generation never got to see it, just as it would be if they never saw a bird’s nest,” said Martin Rees, the British astronomer royal, while speaking to The Guardian.

Scientists have warned that the ability of humans to see the cosmos in the night sky may vanish in just 20 years because of light pollution. “The night sky is part of our environment and it would be a major deprivation if the next generation never got to see it, just as it would be if they never saw a bird’s nest,” said Martin Rees, the British astronomer royal, while speaking to The Guardian. “You don’t need to be an astronomer to care about this. I am not an ornithologist but if there were no songbirds in my garden, I’d feel impoverished,” he added. ALSO READ | NASA spacecraft discovers how Jupiter's lightning shares similarity with Earth's In the last few years, the issue of light pollution has rapidly worsened, especially since 2016 when it was reported by astronomers that the Milky Way is no longer visible to almost a third of the population, as per Rees. Scientists stated that the increasing light pollution is now brightening up the night sky at a rate of around 10 per cent per year. No cosmos for future generations A child who is born in a place where 250 stars are currently visible in the night sky would be able to see only 100 by the time they reach the age of 18, stated Christopher Kyba, of the German Centre for Geosciences. “A couple of generations ago, people would have been confronted regularly with this glittering vision of the cosmos – but what was formerly universal is now extremely rare. Only the world’s richest people, and some of the poorest, experience that anymore. For everybody else, it’s more or less gone,” Kyba added. WATCH | IIST: WION reports from Indian institute of space science and technology He further argued that the introduction of some changes to lighting can make a considerable improvement. These steps would include shielding outdoor lights and pointing them downwards, limiting the brightness of lights, and ensuring that they are not predominantly blue-white but have red and orange components. “Measures like that would have an enormous impact,” he stated. Meanwhile, Prof Robert Fosbury, of the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London (UCL) claimed that bluish emissions of LEDs entirely lack any red or near-infrared light. “We are becoming starved of red and infra-red light and that has serious implications,” he stated. “When reddish light shines on our bodies, it stimulates mechanisms including those that break down high levels of sugar in the blood or boost melatonin production. Since the introduction of fluorescent lighting and later LEDs, that part of the spectrum has been removed from artificial light and I think it is playing a part in the waves of obesity and the rise in diabetes cases we see today,” Fosbury added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Stars to become invisible to our eyes in two decades due to light pollution, warn scientists

Have you ever wondered how one of the greatest inventions of all time, the electric bulb, is impacting our environment? @SaroyaHem tells you how excessive use of lights is disrupting plants' seasonal rhythms and their fragile relationship with pollinators.

Switch it off! Light pollution is disrupting plants' senses

Bardsey Island off the Welsh coast, also known popularly as Ynys Enlli, has become the first sanctuary in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification. The award is extended to those sanctuaries that have an "exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights."

Presently, the island has only two Permanent Residents, Mari Huws, 30, and her partner Emyr Owen, 36.

"We're chuffed -- it's momentous for the island," Huws said. The couple is super-excited with the recognition given to the island where they have been living for four years now.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-clears-bill-to-declassify-all-information-on-covid-19-origin-567633">US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin</a>

The award is a recognition to the island for being a perfect spot to stargaze as the skies get super-clear under ultra-low light pollution. The island now joins the list of 17 such spots which received the designation for their amazing stargazing experience.&nbsp;

Dark skies are usually situated in a very remote location and have a few nearby threats to the quality of its dark night skies.&nbsp;The sanctuary designation is given in a bid to increase the awareness of these fragile sites and promote their long-term conservation.

Caroline Jones, administrator for the Bardsey Island Trust said that the award has put "Ynys Enlli on the map." "Now the secret's out, people just want to know more."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/an-affordable-tesla-no-details-revealed-by-elon-musk-on-investors-day-567625">An affordable Tesla? No details revealed by Elon Musk on investors' day</a>

Now many stargazers are planning to flock to the tiny island with their telescopes.&nbsp;

The sheer darkness on the island, which is a perfect setting for any stargazer, comes as a mountain on the island serves as an effective barrier that blocks much of the light reaching the mainland.&nbsp;

The closest major light pollution comes from Dublin which is over 70 miles across the Irish Sea. As far as the history of the island is considered, the island is known to be of 20,000 saints.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-protesters-confront-benjamin-netanyahus-wife-outside-tel-aviv-hair-salon-567643">Israeli Protesters Confront Benjamin Netanyahu's Wife Outside Tel Aviv Hair Salon</a>

Celtic and Christian monasteries were established on the island in the sixth Century and as per the evidence, it was inhabited from as early as the Bronze age. The tiny island is today is a home to a small community who work the land and fish from the island.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Bardsey Island off the Welsh coast, also known popularly as Ynys Enlli, has become the first sanctuary in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification.

Bardsey Island off the Welsh coast, also known popularly as Ynys Enlli, has become the first sanctuary in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification. The award is extended to those sanctuaries that have an "exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights." Presently, the island has only two Permanent Residents, Mari Huws, 30, and her partner Emyr Owen, 36. "We're chuffed -- it's momentous for the island," Huws said. The couple is super-excited with the recognition given to the island where they have been living for four years now. Also Read | US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin The award is a recognition to the island for being a perfect spot to stargaze as the skies get super-clear under ultra-low light pollution. The island now joins the list of 17 such spots which received the designation for their amazing stargazing experience. Dark skies are usually situated in a very remote location and have a few nearby threats to the quality of its dark night skies. The sanctuary designation is given in a bid to increase the awareness of these fragile sites and promote their long-term conservation. Caroline Jones, administrator for the Bardsey Island Trust said that the award has put "Ynys Enlli on the map." "Now the secret's out, people just want to know more." Also Read | An affordable Tesla? No details revealed by Elon Musk on investors' day Now many stargazers are planning to flock to the tiny island with their telescopes. The sheer darkness on the island, which is a perfect setting for any stargazer, comes as a mountain on the island serves as an effective barrier that blocks much of the light reaching the mainland. The closest major light pollution comes from Dublin which is over 70 miles across the Irish Sea. As far as the history of the island is considered, the island is known to be of 20,000 saints. Watch | Israeli Protesters Confront Benjamin Netanyahu's Wife Outside Tel Aviv Hair Salon Celtic and Christian monasteries were established on the island in the sixth Century and as per the evidence, it was inhabited from as early as the Bronze age. The tiny island is today is a home to a small community who work the land and fish from the island. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Welsh island 'Ynys Enlli' gets award for its ultra-low light pollution, a perfect setting for stargazers

The skyline of London at night may look very different from what it looks today as new rules have been drafted by the city authorities according to which skyscrapers will be required to dim their lights overnight.

The step will “cut light pollution and save energy”, as stated by the City of London Corporation, which is the governing body of the financial district.

After the new rules are adopted, the high-rise buildings in the Square Mile – the area in London where most of the high-rise buildings remain clustered – will be required to switch off unnecessary lights in the building after sunset.

The new buildings will have to compulsorily follow the rules. The authorities will encourage the existing buildings to adopt the policy, however, it won't be mandatory.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-issues-high-air-pollution-alert-555844"> London mayor Sadiq Khan issues high air pollution alert in the city</a>

The authorities have introduced the rule as an increasing amount of evidence shows the light pollution's devastating impact on human health and biodiversity as well as the wasted energy.

What is the new policy?

The new policy has been stated in the 'Lighting Supplementary Planning Document', as reported by Britain’s Financial Times.

According to the plan, different curfews will be imposed on various ‘brightness zones’ across the capital. If the rule is implemented, businesses in heritage and residential areas will have to switch off lights at 10 pm and businesses in tourist and cultural areas will be allowed to keep the lights on till 11 pm.

In commercial areas, people are allowed to keep unnecessary lights on until midnight. City of London Corporation planning and transportation committee chairman Shravan Joshi said that currently, the document is under the process of consultation.

“The City is a unique place in which 24/7 business districts and busy transport hubs rub up against historic buildings and residential neighbourhoods,” he said.

"The strategy laid out in this document is aimed at ensuring an intelligent, sensitive approach to lighting which ensures the City is safe and accessible while protecting its historic character and the amenity of our residents,” Joshi added.

WATCH | London's governing body drafts a bill to cut light pollution

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What is the situation of light pollution in London?

According to the researchers, the human eye must be able to see thousands of stars on a clear night. However, less than 30 per cent of people from around the world can get a clear view of the stars. This is because, in most areas, artificial light blocks out the night sky.

The biodiversity also suffers a devastating impact of the ‘skyglow'. In the UK, 60 per cent of the wildlife depends on natural darkness for their survival, as natural signals set pollination rhythms, migration and reproduction.

Light pollution also adversely affects human health by causing an interruption in the circadian sleep rhythms, which can lead to depression and heart and blood problems.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The skyline of London at night may look very different from what it looks today as new rules have been drafted by the city authorities according to which skyscrapers will be required to dim their lights overnight.

The skyline of London at night may look very different from what it looks today as new rules have been drafted by the city authorities according to which skyscrapers will be required to dim their lights overnight. The step will “cut light pollution and save energy”, as stated by the City of London Corporation, which is the governing body of the financial district. After the new rules are adopted, the high-rise buildings in the Square Mile – the area in London where most of the high-rise buildings remain clustered – will be required to switch off unnecessary lights in the building after sunset. The new buildings will have to compulsorily follow the rules. The authorities will encourage the existing buildings to adopt the policy, however, it won't be mandatory. ALSO READ | London mayor Sadiq Khan issues high air pollution alert in the city The authorities have introduced the rule as an increasing amount of evidence shows the light pollution's devastating impact on human health and biodiversity as well as the wasted energy. What is the new policy? The new policy has been stated in the 'Lighting Supplementary Planning Document', as reported by Britain’s Financial Times. According to the plan, different curfews will be imposed on various ‘brightness zones’ across the capital. If the rule is implemented, businesses in heritage and residential areas will have to switch off lights at 10 pm and businesses in tourist and cultural areas will be allowed to keep the lights on till 11 pm. In commercial areas, people are allowed to keep unnecessary lights on until midnight. City of London Corporation planning and transportation committee chairman Shravan Joshi said that currently, the document is under the process of consultation. “The City is a unique place in which 24/7 business districts and busy transport hubs rub up against historic buildings and residential neighbourhoods,” he said. "The strategy laid out in this document is aimed at ensuring an intelligent, sensitive approach to lighting which ensures the City is safe and accessible while protecting its historic character and the amenity of our residents,” Joshi added. WATCH | London's governing body drafts a bill to cut light pollution What is the situation of light pollution in London? According to the researchers, the human eye must be able to see thousands of stars on a clear night. However, less than 30 per cent of people from around the world can get a clear view of the stars. This is because, in most areas, artificial light blocks out the night sky. The biodiversity also suffers a devastating impact of the ‘skyglow'. In the UK, 60 per cent of the wildlife depends on natural darkness for their survival, as natural signals set pollination rhythms, migration and reproduction. Light pollution also adversely affects human health by causing an interruption in the circadian sleep rhythms, which can lead to depression and heart and blood problems. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Light pollution: London plans to switch off lights of high-rise buildings at night

According to a paper published in the Science Journal, the impact of light pollution had some alarming observations with each passing year. Scientists spotted fewer stars with their naked eyes as artificial lightning overpowered everything, making the dim stars barely visible. Watch this report to know more.

Artificial lightning overpowering visibility of stars

Have you ever noticed the number of stars that you can see with your naked eyes in the sky has reduced significantly over the last decade? New research shows that it’s actually due to the increasing&nbsp;light pollution&nbsp;worldwide. Light pollution is a phenomenon where the sky glows at night due to artificial lighting. BBC reported that a group of amateur astronomers and citizen scientists spent the last 12 years studying the sky to reach this conclusion. The amount of light that humans emit in the sky has constantly increased by 10% every year, as per the researchers. Dr Christopher Kyba, a scientist from the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Our view of the stars is disappearing".

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Digital Pollution: All you need to know&nbsp;

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<h2>LED lighting revolution contributing to light pollution</h2>

The European Space Agency in a study last year revealed that the LED lighting revolution throughout the world exacerbated the light pollution problem. The cheaper and better the lightning, the more it is wasted. Decorative lights, advertisement boards, street lights and lights on high-rise buildings have made our sky brighter and the light problem worse.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/global-light-pollution-blurs-starry-nights-348">Global light pollution blurs starry nights&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Light pollution: A big threat to humans</h2>

Light pollution doesn’t just spoil the mesmerising view of the moon and stars, it also gravely impacts the sleeping behaviour of humans. Excessive lighting is linked to disrupted sleeping patterns and bad health, not just in humans but animals also. One study even linked excessive lighting to the local insect decline.

<h2>Light pollution reveals massive wastage of energy</h2>

Experts say that sky glow and sky brightness show how a tremendous amount of energy is being wasted every day, without people and governments even acknowledging this massive loss. Dr Kyba says, “There's a lot of room for improvement - if you light more carefully, you should be able to reduce skyglow, whilst still lighting the ground.”

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Have you ever noticed the number of stars that you can see with your naked eyes in the sky has reduced significantly over the last decade? New research shows that it’s actually due to the increasing light pollution worldwide.

Have you ever noticed the number of stars that you can see with your naked eyes in the sky has reduced significantly over the last decade? New research shows that it’s actually due to the increasing light pollution worldwide. Light pollution is a phenomenon where the sky glows at night due to artificial lighting. BBC reported that a group of amateur astronomers and citizen scientists spent the last 12 years studying the sky to reach this conclusion. The amount of light that humans emit in the sky has constantly increased by 10% every year, as per the researchers. Dr Christopher Kyba, a scientist from the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Our view of the stars is disappearing". Watch: Gravitas Plus | Digital Pollution: All you need to know × LED lighting revolution contributing to light pollution The European Space Agency in a study last year revealed that the LED lighting revolution throughout the world exacerbated the light pollution problem. The cheaper and better the lightning, the more it is wasted. Decorative lights, advertisement boards, street lights and lights on high-rise buildings have made our sky brighter and the light problem worse. Also Read | Global light pollution blurs starry nights Light pollution: A big threat to humans Light pollution doesn’t just spoil the mesmerising view of the moon and stars, it also gravely impacts the sleeping behaviour of humans. Excessive lighting is linked to disrupted sleeping patterns and bad health, not just in humans but animals also. One study even linked excessive lighting to the local insect decline. Light pollution reveals massive wastage of energy Experts say that sky glow and sky brightness show how a tremendous amount of energy is being wasted every day, without people and governments even acknowledging this massive loss. Dr Kyba says, “There's a lot of room for improvement - if you light more carefully, you should be able to reduce skyglow, whilst still lighting the ground.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Why are stars disappearing from the sky?

Artificial satellites and space waste orbiting the Earth can make the night sky brighter, researchers have found, warning that light pollution from these could affect astronomers work to study the universe.&nbsp;

The European Space Agency (ESA) said that more than 9,200 tonnes of space objects present in the Earth's orbit, that include defunct satellites, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Such objects not just capable of light pollution, but also poses a collision risk.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-observe-most-pristine-comet-from-outer-space-in-solar-system-374505">Astronomers observe most 'pristine' comet from outer space in Solar system</a>

Scientists in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society detail how sunlight that is reflected and scattered from space objects can look like streaks in observations made by telescopes from the ground.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-reveal-how-human-heart-adapts-to-space-374276">Researchers reveal how human heart adapts to space</a>

"Because the streaks are often comparable to or brighter than objects of astrophysical interest, their presence tends to compromise astronomical data and poses the threat of irretrievable loss of information," the researchers wrote.&nbsp;

They also said, "when observed with relatively low-sensitivity detectors like the unaided human eye, or with low-angular-resolution photometers, their combined effect is that of a diffuse night sky brightness component, much like the unresolved integrated starlight background of the Milky Way."

According to their calculations, the glow could rise up to 10 per cent of the natural sky brightness, a light pollution level earlier set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as being the limit that is acceptable at astronomical observatory regions.&nbsp;

Though the scientists stress that natural levels of brightness have their own challenges, they said the current situation could become worse once more satellites, including "mega-constellations", are launched.

 
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Artificial satellites and space waste orbiting the Earth can make the night sky brighter, researchers have found, warning that light pollution from these could affect astronomers work to study the universe.

Artificial satellites and space waste orbiting the Earth can make the night sky brighter, researchers have found, warning that light pollution from these could affect astronomers work to study the universe. The European Space Agency (ESA) said that more than 9,200 tonnes of space objects present in the Earth's orbit, that include defunct satellites, reports The Guardian. Such objects not just capable of light pollution, but also poses a collision risk. Also read | Astronomers observe most 'pristine' comet from outer space in Solar system Scientists in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society detail how sunlight that is reflected and scattered from space objects can look like streaks in observations made by telescopes from the ground. Also read | Researchers reveal how human heart adapts to space "Because the streaks are often comparable to or brighter than objects of astrophysical interest, their presence tends to compromise astronomical data and poses the threat of irretrievable loss of information," the researchers wrote. They also said, "when observed with relatively low-sensitivity detectors like the unaided human eye, or with low-angular-resolution photometers, their combined effect is that of a diffuse night sky brightness component, much like the unresolved integrated starlight background of the Milky Way." According to their calculations, the glow could rise up to 10 per cent of the natural sky brightness, a light pollution level earlier set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as being the limit that is acceptable at astronomical observatory regions. Though the scientists stress that natural levels of brightness have their own challenges, they said the current situation could become worse once more satellites, including "mega-constellations", are launched.

Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy

When Vincent van Gogh peered out the window of the Saint-Paul asylum at the nighttime sky in Saint-R?my in 1889, he saw the brilliant light of innumerable stars over southern France that inspired his evocative painting &quot;The Starry Night&quot;.

But nights no longer are so starry for billions of people. About 83 per cent of the world&#39;s population, including more than 99 per cent in Europe and the United States, live in areas beset by nocturnal &quot;light pollution&quot; from the incessant glow of electric lights, researchers said.

It is so pervasive that more than a third of people globally, including nearly 80 per cent of North Americans and 60 per cent of Europeans, cannot see the luminous band of the Milky Way, a familiar nighttime sight throughout&nbsp;human existence.

&quot;It is surprising how in a few decades of lighting growth we have enveloped most of humanity in a curtain of light that hides the view of the greatest wonder of nature: the universe itself,&quot; said Fabio Falchi of the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy, who led the research published in the journal Science Advances.&nbsp;&quot;Our civilization&#39;s roots are connected to the night sky in every field, from literature to art to philosophy to religion and, of course, to science.&quot;

Physicist Christopher Kyba of the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences added, &quot;Appreciating beauty is just part of what makes us human.&quot;

The researchers used satellite and sky brightness data to create a global atlas of light pollution, the artificial illumination of the night sky sufficient to substantially wash out starlight. It is one of humankind&#39;s most omnipresent forms of environmental alteration, exemplified by the nocturnal glow over cities.

&quot;Countries even as large as Italy or Spain or France or Germany do not have any single spot in their territory with a pristine night sky,&quot; Falchi added.

Despite the American West&#39;s vast open spaces, almost half of US&nbsp;territory has light-polluted nights. The East Coast is particularly hit hard, with only part of Maine and the islands at the end of the Florida Keys having pristine sky quality, US&nbsp;National Park Service researcher Dan Duriscoe said.

The most light-polluted country is Singapore. The hardest-hit G20 countries are Italy and South Korea.

Only small areas in western Europe remain relatively unaffected, mostly in Scotland, Sweden and Norway. Australia and Africa are least-affected among the populated continents.

Over four in five people on Earth, and virtually all of Europe and the US, see almost no stars at night

When Vincent van Gogh peered out the window of the Saint-Paul asylum at the nighttime sky in Saint-R?my in 1889, he saw the brilliant light of innumerable stars over southern France that inspired his evocative painting "The Starry Night". But nights no longer are so starry for billions of people. About 83 per cent of the world's population, including more than 99 per cent in Europe and the United States, live in areas beset by nocturnal "light pollution" from the incessant glow of electric lights, researchers said. It is so pervasive that more than a third of people globally, including nearly 80 per cent of North Americans and 60 per cent of Europeans, cannot see the luminous band of the Milky Way, a familiar nighttime sight throughout human existence. "It is surprising how in a few decades of lighting growth we have enveloped most of humanity in a curtain of light that hides the view of the greatest wonder of nature: the universe itself," said Fabio Falchi of the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy, who led the research published in the journal Science Advances. "Our civilization's roots are connected to the night sky in every field, from literature to art to philosophy to religion and, of course, to science." Physicist Christopher Kyba of the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences added, "Appreciating beauty is just part of what makes us human." The researchers used satellite and sky brightness data to create a global atlas of light pollution, the artificial illumination of the night sky sufficient to substantially wash out starlight. It is one of humankind's most omnipresent forms of environmental alteration, exemplified by the nocturnal glow over cities. "Countries even as large as Italy or Spain or France or Germany do not have any single spot in their territory with a pristine night sky," Falchi added. Despite the American West's vast open spaces, almost half of US territory has light-polluted nights. The East Coast is particularly hit hard, with only part of Maine and the islands at the end of the Florida Keys having pristine sky quality, US National Park Service researcher Dan Duriscoe said. The most light-polluted country is Singapore. The hardest-hit G20 countries are Italy and South Korea. Only small areas in western Europe remain relatively unaffected, mostly in Scotland, Sweden and Norway. Australia and Africa are least-affected among the populated continents.

Global light pollution blurs starry nights

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