Light pollution destroys astronomers' vision

According to a recent study by the British Rural Protection Campaign (CPRE), the pollution is so bright that only one in two people in the UK can see more than 10 stars in the Orion constellation.

A census indicates light pollution is hindering the starry vision of the night sky for more than a second of people across the UK.

According to research by the British Rural Protection Campaign (CPRE), 57% of explorers struggle to see more than 10 stars, while only 2% of participants said they saw the real sky. dark.

Picture 1 of Light pollution destroys astronomers' vision
Can see clearly the Orion constellation above Glastonbury Tor, but 57% of people in the UK must be very difficult to see 10 stars in this constellation.(Photo: Ben Birchall / PA).

The investigation encourages people in towns and rural areas to count how many stars they can see with the naked eye in the constellation of Orion - the constellation that is only visible in the winter months.

Advocates said that supported by the British Astronomical Society, the star counting results demonstrated how light pollution matters and how it affects one of the rural areas.

They said research results to map the night sky in the UK showed that governments, local councils and the public could deploy more research to reduce the negative impact of artificial light from streets and buildings.

Emma Marrington, CPRE's dark sky campaigner said: 'We are very grateful to those who took the time to go out and participate in our star counting. However, it is disappointing that the vast majority cannot experience the natural wonders of a truly dark sky, covered with stars'.

'Without intervention, our night sky will continue to be lost under a curtain of artificial light, harming our own health and the natural world,' Emma Marrington said.

'Counting results show that the distance from the street lights and buildings can be seen. Light does not respect boundaries, and careless use can see it spreading miles away from towns, cities, businesses and highways' - Emma Marrington adds.

Emma Marrington proposed better designed lighting, ways to blur street lighting and night lighting. With consultation with the local community and police, some street lights are turned off during small hours that can limit damage from light pollution, reduce carbon emissions and save money.

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