Tonight we’ll experience one of my favorite times of the month: a full moon. Some of my most special memories growing up involved long winter walks in the brightly illuminated snow beneath a brilliant, full moon. Incidentally, on of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse of an owl is on a night like tonight! A great children’s book on the subject is called "Owl Moon" by Jane Yolen. (You can find a read-aloud version on Youtube here.
The ebb and flow of nighttime illumination has always fascinated me, as the sky oscillates back and forth between phases of the moon every month. The night sky almost seems to breathe ever so gently, between muted shades of dark and light. A vast number of species, including our own, have come to fundamentally rely on all the provisions that nighttime affords. But due to modern human developments, we have unwittingly hurt many species, including our own, with light pollution- the unnatural brightening of the night sky with manmade sources of light.
There are at least four forms of light pollution, but the one that most commonly comes to mind for most people is "sky glow," which is the constant illumination in the night sky above populated areas where people rely on artificial light. Sky glow can interrupt the circadian rhythm (or internal clock) of both humans as well as many other creatures. When animals don’t receive the cues they need from regular periods of natural darkness, they can’t produce important hormones like melatonin, which helps the animal stay healthy and receive adequate amounts of sleep. Scientists have also found that light pollution interferes with the navigational abilities of many species. For example, sky glow disrupts the special patterns of polarized moonlight that help Dung Beatles find their way home. When moonlight is replaced with artificial light, Dung Beatles become disoriented and can no longer travel in straight lines and are left to wander in circles. Birds are also susceptible to the disorienting nature of sky glow during their yearly migrations, resulting in unnecessary losses. Light pollution attracts many insects too, interfering with their natural behaviors, and in some cases, even killing them. This can make feeding difficult for the animals that rely on these insects as primary food sources. Even marine animals can be negatively affected by light pollution! For example, baby sea turtles are attracted to artificial light, which can prevent them from quickly seeking the safety of the deep ocean after hatching, which in turn leaves them open to increased risk of predation.
Unfortunately, light pollution isn’t just an issue in highly populated, urban areas. A whopping 80% of the entire globe experiences light pollution and 99% of all people in the United States live under light-polluted skies! In fact, light pollution in North America is so severe that 4 out of 5 people can no longer see the Milky Way! Even though these facts show us just how problematic light pollution has become, the good news is that there are some very simple steps we can all take to help improve the situation.
Turn off unnecessary lights whenever possible (especially outdoor lighting during the day, as this is a complete waste of both light and the resources required to produce it). This is the easiest and most effective way to reduce light pollution. It also cuts down on your electric bill, which is an added bonus.
Keep indoor light inside by using blackout curtains.
Consider modifying your use of decorative lighting during the holidays to reduce emissions.
Look for downward-facing light fixtures with proper shields that prevent the loss of light into the night sky.
Be thoughtful about where the light from these outdoor fixtures travels. Does it meet the need for the task at hand without spilling over into other areas unnecessarily ?
Swap out your lightbulbs for warm-colored LEDs. These bulbs minimize blue emissions and are excellent for maintaining visibility while reducing total luminance.
Consider using motion detectors on essential outdoor lights, to ensure light is only produced when needed. (Keep in mind, however, that if a motion detector is used for lighting in highly trafficked areas, a constantly flashing light may become a nuisance).
Check out the International Dark-Sky Association to further educate yourself and explore their list of light fixtures that have passed their detailed certification process.
Share your successes with friends and family. This will enable you to help spread awareness in a simple and approachable way. And who knows? You might even be the inspiration they need to make similar beneficial changes in their own lives!
Last but certainly not least, as you adjust your lifestyle, remember to involve your children! This is a great opportunity for them to learn mindfulness and play a meaningful part in the process! A great way to pique their curiosity is to try out this neat science experiment from Science Buddies.
The International Dark-Sky Association also has a wonderful collection of additional educational resources for your kiddos, which you can find here.
Also, take a look at some of these books recommended by the International Dark-Sky Association:
What if Night, by Paul Bogard (ages 2-5)
There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars, by Bob Crelin (ages 4-8)
Lights Out, by Marsha Diane Arnold (ages 6-8)
Sophie’s Night Sky Adventure (ages 6-10)
Dark Matters Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution, by Joan Marie Galat (ages 9+)
Thanks for considering these simple methods of reducing light pollution, and remember to check out the gorgeous full moon tonight! In fact, feel free to post a picture of your view of the full moon tonight in the comments! Happy moon-gazing!
(Photo credit: Colin Jex from Arnside, Cumbria, United Kingdom)
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