M16 Nebula is an advocate against light pollution. Each and everyone of us can do their part every single day, so I’d like to spread some awareness on the consequences of light pollution, and what can be done against it!
Why light pollution is bad
Light pollution, the excessive or misdirected artificial light produced by urban areas, disrupts natural ecosystems, negatively impacts human health, wastes energy – and makes it difficult to see the beauty of our nightsky. Especially nature is suffering:
🌆 Ecological impact: Artificial lighting alters the natural behavior of wildlife. For nocturnal animals, such as bats and certain bird species, excessive light disrupts their feeding, breeding, and migration patterns. In marine environments, light pollution affects sea turtles that rely on the moonlight to navigate towards the ocean after hatching, often leading them in the wrong direction.
🌆 Energy waste: Light pollution contributes to energy waste, as lighting that is poorly designed or left on unnecessarily consumes electricity, adding to carbon emissions and global warming. Unnecessary illumination not only wastes money but also depletes natural resources.
What can be done against light pollution?
Reducing light pollution is a feasible and impactful goal that can be achieved through both individual and collective efforts.
🌃 Use of shielded lighting: Installing shielded lighting fixtures that direct light downward can significantly reduce the amount of stray light that contributes to light pollution. This minimizes the impact on the night sky and wildlife while ensuring that outdoor spaces remain effectively illuminated.
🌃 Switching to warmer, low-intensity lighting: The use of warm-colored lighting, which emits less blue light, can reduce the disruption to both wildlife and human circadian rhythms. This can be achieved by using lower-intensity, energy-efficient LED bulbs with a warmer color temperature.
🌃 Implementing motion sensors and timers: Ensuring that lights are only on when needed can greatly reduce energy waste and light pollution. Motion sensors and timers can be used to automatically turn off outdoor lights when no one is present or after a set time, minimizing unnecessary illumination.
🌃 Just switch the light off! Easy enough.
Light pollution and stargazing
Unfortunately, light pollution significantly diminishes the experience of stargazing; obscuring stars, planets, and other celestial objects from view. In urban areas, skyglow—caused by the scattering of artificial light in the atmosphere—often makes it impossible to see even the brightest stars, let alone the Milky Way.
Reducing light pollution greatly enhances stargazing opportunities. In regions with minimal light pollution, the sky reveals a breathtaking tapestry of thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even faint nebulae and distant galaxies, visible to the naked eye.
Moreover, dark skies create opportunities for educational outreach and tourism. Many communities have embraced the concept of “Dark Sky Parks” or “Stargazing Reserves,” areas where artificial light is strictly controlled, providing perfect conditions for observing the night sky. These areas not only attract stargazers but also boost local economies through eco-tourism.
This is why you should always be aware of your own light usage, and you can also nicely influence others. Influence in the good way – by being a good role model!
M16 Nebula 