Light pollution is stealing our stars: Help us save the night sky

Light pollution is stealing our view of the stars and is an increasing concern across the globe, but did you know its effects extend far beyond a minor inconvenience for stargazers.

Find out in this article how light pollution is stealing the stars and how you can help us save the night sky.  The overuse and misdirection of artificial lighting at night (ALAN) are having significant impacts on ecosystems, human health, and our cultural heritage. At CPRE Herefordshire, our Dark Skies Herefordshire team are committed to protecting our countryside, promoting a sustainable environment, and preserving dark skies is a vital part of this mission.  You can find out more about our Dark Skies Herefordshire (DSH) campaign here.

In this news article, we will explore the benefits of dark skies, examine the science behind light pollution, and offer practical steps we can take to reduce light pollution in Herefordshire and help save our night sky. We’ll also highlight some local activities and events that you can get involved with to support this cause.

What Are Dark Skies?

Dark skies refer to a night sky largely free from artificial lighting, where stars, planets, and even the Milky Way can be seen clearly. These naturally dark areas are becoming increasingly rare, particularly in urban and suburban regions, but they are crucial for environmental and cultural reasons. Unfortunately, many people today have never experienced the full wonder of a truly dark sky, and this loss affects not only humans but also wildlife and ecosystems.

The Environmental Impact of Light Pollution:

Effects on Wildlife

Light pollution can cause significant disruption to wildlife, particularly species that rely on natural light cycles to guide their behaviours, such as hunting, mating, and migration. Many nocturnal animals, including bats, owls, and moths, are especially vulnerable to artificial lighting, which can disorient them, affect their ability to find food, and reduce their populations over time.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), garden lighting can have unintended negative consequences for wildlife, particularly insects. Many species of insects are attracted to artificial lights, which disrupt their normal behaviours, such as feeding and pollination. This has wider implications for ecosystems as a whole, particularly for moths, which play an important role in pollinating plants at night.

Impact on Plants

While plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis during the day, artificial lighting at night can interfere with their natural cycles. Certain plants are sensitive to changes in day length and the dark period, and artificial lighting can hinder their ability to flower and reproduce. This has broader ecological consequences, affecting the animals and other plant species that depend on them.

Human Health and Light Pollution

Light pollution doesn’t just harm wildlife; it also has negative effects on human health. Exposure to artificial lighting at night can disrupt our circadian rhythms, the body’s natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness, which regulates many essential bodily processes. Research has linked exposure to artificial light at night with sleep disorders, increased levels of stress, and even chronic conditions such as obesity and heart disease.

A report by the International Dark-Sky Association highlights how exposure to artificial light at night, particularly the blue light emitted by LED streetlights and digital devices, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep. This disruption can have long-term health consequences, contributing to sleep disturbances and poor overall well-being.

The cultural and aesthetic importance of Dark Skies

Dark skies are not only important for environmental and health reasons, but they also hold significant cultural and aesthetic value. For centuries, humans have looked to the stars for navigation, storytelling, and inspiration. Our myths, scientific knowledge, and spiritual beliefs have often been shaped by what we see in the night sky.

In rural areas like Herefordshire, preserving dark skies allows us to maintain a connection to this cultural heritage. The sight of a clear, starry sky, free from light pollution, is a powerful experience that should not be lost to future generations. By reducing light pollution, we can restore the natural beauty of the night sky and ensure it remains a source of wonder.

How to reduce light pollution and stop it stealing our stars:

The good news is that light pollution is one of the most manageable environmental issues to address. Here are a few practical steps you can take to reduce light pollution and protect our dark skies:

1. Use Outdoor Lighting Responsibly
Outdoor lighting should be used only when necessary and should always be directed downwards to minimise the spread of light. Installing shielded light fixtures helps focus the light where it is needed and prevents it from illuminating the night sky unnecessarily.

2. Opt for Low-Intensity, Warm-Coloured Lighting
While LED lights are energy-efficient, many emit harsh blue light, which is harmful to wildlife and disrupts human sleep patterns. Choose warmer-coloured lights (below 3000K) for outdoor use to minimise these impacts.

3. Install Motion Sensors and Timers
Installing motion sensors and timers on outdoor lights can significantly reduce unnecessary lighting. These ensure that lights are only on when needed and automatically turn off during hours when they aren’t in use.

4. Turn Off Lights When Not Needed
A simple but effective way to reduce light pollution is to make sure lights are switched off when not in use. Encourage your neighbours to do the same and work together to reduce the overall amount of light in your area.  And don’t forget to close your curtains!

5. Advocate for Dark-Sky Friendly Policies
Local councils and organisations can help reduce light pollution by adopting dark-sky-friendly policies. These may include regulations on outdoor lighting, encouraging the use of shielded fixtures, and implementing light curfews in certain areas.

Activities and Events to Support Dark Skies:

If you are passionate about reducing light pollution and preserving dark skies, there are several ways to get involved. Here are a few local and national activities that can help raise awareness and encourage action:

Globe at Night Campaigns

The Globe at Night campaign is a global citizen science initiative that encourages people to measure light pollution in their area by observing the brightness of the night sky. By participating, you’ll be contributing to scientific research while also learning about light pollution in your local community. All you need to do is observe the night sky and report your findings online. Check out their upcoming campaigns here.

Fownhope Stargazing Event

For a more local experience, DSH member Fownhope Environment Group are holding a Stargazing Event.  This is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky in Herefordshire. Held in Fownhope, this event brings together astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in light pollution for an evening of stargazing. Bring your telescope or binoculars and enjoy a night under the stars. More information can be found here.

Why Preserving Dark Skies Matters for Herefordshire:

Herefordshire is renowned for its natural beauty, rural landscapes, and biodiversity. Protecting dark skies is an important part of preserving these features for future generations. Reducing light pollution not only protects local wildlife and improves human health, but also enhances the beauty and quality of life in Herefordshire.

Promoting dark skies can also have economic benefits. Astro-tourism, or stargazing holidays, is becoming increasingly popular, and Herefordshire’s relatively low levels of light pollution make it an ideal location for visitors seeking a true dark-sky experience.

Dark skies are an invaluable resource that benefit both wildlife and humans. By reducing light pollution, we can help safeguard nocturnal animals, improve our own health, and preserve the cultural heritage associated with stargazing. Simple changes, such as adjusting outdoor lighting or supporting dark-sky-friendly policies, can make a big difference.

We encourage you to take action today — by joining us and our DSH team of volunteers, making changes at home, participating in the Globe at Night campaign, or attending local events like the Fownhope Stargazing Event.

Together, we can protect the beauty of Herefordshire’s dark skies and ensure they remain for future generations to enjoy.