Light Pollution 4-8

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Light pollution video
Light Pollution Map
Light Pollution General Info

At night when you look up at the sky, all you see are some clouds, and the moon. But did you know that when you are out in the middle-of-nowhere, the night sky is actually quite beautiful? One of the reasons you don't see any stars anymore actually has to do with light bulbs over powering the light of the stars. Besides the sun, the closest star is 25,260,733,353,600 miles away! Even though it is so close (compared to other stars), it is so dim.  



Effects of Light Pollution

Light pollution only block out the stars, it does much more. Here are some adverse effects of light pollution (according to globeatnight.org):


  1. Light pollution can disrupt ecosystems (web, globe at night).
Light pollution can change a birds migratory "map" so the bird flies in the wrong direction (web). It can also change predator-prey reactions between species (web), and can alter interactions between animals.
      2. Can have adverse effects on the human body (web, globe at night)
Light can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone which makes us tired and energized. Excess light while we sleep can lead to headaches, fatigue, and stress (web)

How to help

Light pollution is one of those issues which you can't really help with in a big way. However, there are a few things you could do!
  1. Turn off lights when you leave a room- If you aren't using as many lights, you aren't contributing to light pollution as much. Plus, you could save some money on your parents energy bill
  2. Write a letter (or email) to a politician- You can convince them that they should install the new style of lighting on streets.
Please let me know if you have any questions on this issue, we will highlight some questions in a post and answer them in the future. I will respond to all of them, so write as many as you want.
Image result for new street light which prevents light pollution
The new style of lighting which prevents light pollution1

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