Across the U.S., night skies are disappearing thanks to light pollution. 4 of 5 Americans can no longer see the Milky Way.
The problem is particularly severe in urban areas, where the lights of skyscrapers keep city dwellers from being able to see the stars.
Light pollution can negatively affect the ecosystem in many ways: From species of coral on the Great Barrier Reef that rely on moonlight to spawn, to wandering sea turtles that can be lured into the path of a predator by the lights of a high-rise resort, to migratory birds flying near cities.
Humans are also affected by light pollution, particularly from the electric light in our homes. 'Many people are in a circadian fog where our physiology is confused,'' says Richard Stevens of the the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
The good news about light pollution: it can be ended with the flick of a switch. The International Dark-Sky Association is dedicated to building awareness for light pollution and advocating for policies and practices that will make the night skies visible once again.
Let's bring back the night by curbing light pollution! Join me in donating today!
