Help scientists document Midwest light pollution by gazing at Orion.
The night sky is fading above the heartland of America. As light pollution encroaches, cities and towns are becoming brighter, erasing the stars from view. This phenomenon affects not only the celestial bodies above but also the environment, wildlife, and even our own well-being.
Take the town of Kirksville, Missouri, for instance. Nicknamed 'the North Star of Missouri,' it's a college town with a population of 18,000. Yet, spotting the North Star within the city limits is becoming increasingly challenging. This trend is not unique to Kirksville; large metropolitan areas like Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Chicago are also among the top 10 riskiest cities for birds during their spring migration, according to recent studies.
The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the skies above the U.S. are getting about 10% brighter each year, causing confusion among birds and other wildlife, and impacting our sleep and overall well-being. However, there's a glimmer of hope.
Astronomer Connie Walker, from NOIRLab, the U.S. national center for ground-based astronomy, offers a solution. She emphasizes that preserving the night sky is not an inevitable loss. Communities can take action to protect their starry views, benefiting both the environment and the awe-inspiring sight of the night sky.
One simple way to contribute is by participating in the Globe At Night citizen science project. In February or March, look up at the constellation Orion and report your observations using a smartphone. This data helps scientists track the extent of light pollution and its rate of change. The stars you can see or cannot see in and around Orion provide valuable insights into the light pollution levels in your area.
Walker, who co-founded Globe At Night two decades ago, provides guidance on the Midwest and Great Plains environmental podcast Up From Dust. She encourages as many reports as possible, especially from areas where the project doesn't typically receive data, such as rural regions like Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas, and Kansas.
Addressing light pollution is a crucial step towards preserving the night sky. Some cities, parks, and college campuses are already taking action by installing more efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs, ensuring adequate illumination without compromising the visibility of the stars or the needs of wildlife.
Up From Dust offers three podcast episodes that delve into the solutions and the importance of addressing light pollution. Episode 1 focuses on understanding skyglow and implementing effective lighting strategies. Episode 2 explores the impact of light pollution on bird migration, sharing a story of a determined museum employee who uncovered a link between a convention center's lighting and bird fatalities.
Episode 3 provides a step-by-step guide on how to participate in Globe At Night, encouraging listeners to become stewards of the night sky. The project has already gathered 300,000 observations worldwide, contributing to the understanding of the night sky's brightness. Walker emphasizes that no special astronomy equipment is required; simply observing the constellation Orion and comparing it to star charts is enough to make a valuable contribution.
By joining the effort, individuals can help scientists track light pollution, protect the environment, and ensure that the night sky remains a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.
