Why are the stars becoming less visible? Uncovering the mystery of the "noise" in the night sky

The night sky is dotted with stars, which is a beautiful scenery given to us by nature. However, with the acceleration of urbanization, more and more artificial light sources illuminate the night sky, and the originally pure night sky becomes colorful. This is what we often call light pollution.

Light pollution refers to the adverse effects of excessive or inappropriate artificial light on the environment. It not only destroys the beauty of the night sky, but also has a negative impact on human health, the ecological environment and astronomical observations.

1. The hazards of light pollution

1. Impact on human health

Too much light can inhibit the secretion of melatonin, which is an important sleep-regulating hormone. Lack of melatonin can lead to sleep disorders, mood swings, decreased immunity and other problems.

2. Damage to the ecological environment

Many animals rely on moonlight and starlight for foraging, reproduction and navigation. Light pollution can disrupt their normal activities and even lead to extinction.

3. Impact on astronomical observations

Light pollution from cities can make stars dim or even invisible, which poses a huge challenge to astronomical observations.

2. Examples of light pollution

1. Excessive lighting of urban nightscapes: Buildings, billboards and street lights in many cities are too bright, resulting in excessive brightness at night, which blocks the light of stars and other celestial bodies. In this case, it is difficult for people to observe the stars in the sky in the city, and light pollution weakens the astronomical observation experience of urban residents.

2. Excessive use of vehicle lights: Vehicles on the road at night use overly bright headlights, taillights and roof lights, which leads to increased light pollution on the road. These overly bright lights not only affect the sight of other vehicles, but also illuminate the surrounding buildings and natural environment, disrupting the biological clock of organisms.

3. Outdoor advertising light boxes: Many outdoor advertising light boxes in commercial areas use overly bright LED lights or strong light tubes, which not only consume a lot of electricity, but also cause light pollution in the surrounding environment. These overly bright advertising light boxes not only destroy the nighttime atmosphere, but also affect the quality of life of surrounding residents.

4. Neon lighting: Some landmark buildings in cities or commercial areas use large areas of neon lighting, which creates light pollution. Especially at night, the strong light emitted by these neon lights will block out the stars and other celestial bodies in the sky, destroying the natural landscape at night.

3. How to reduce light pollution

Reduce unnecessary lighting: turn off lights when not in use and use energy-efficient lamps.

Use blackout curtains: Prevent indoor light from leaking outside.

Choose lighting methods with low light pollution: for example, use directional lighting, reduce glare, etc.

Raise public awareness: Through publicity and education, let more people understand the hazards of light pollution.

4. Protecting the night sky is everyone’s responsibility!

Light pollution is an environmental issue that deserves our attention. By taking effective measures, we can reduce light pollution, protect the beauty of the night sky, and leave a better earth for future generations.

5. Interesting little knowledge

Did you know? The world’s first International Dark Sky Park is located in Arches National Park in Utah, USA.

Did you know that in some countries, laws and regulations have been introduced to limit light pollution?

Did you know that we can judge the degree of light pollution by observing the Big Dipper?

Source: Chongqing Radio Science Popularization Experience Center

Audit expert: Zhang Qiyi

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