Local groups to celebrate International Dark Sky Week, encourage residents to consider effects of outdoor lighting

In recognition of International Dark Sky Week, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society are joining with other partners to raise awareness about light pollution and its impact on the environment.

Light pollution can come in one of four forms. “Glare” occurs when unwanted light shines into your eyes. This is especially dangerous if you are driving. “Sky Glow” can appear like a glowing dome over cities if light is misdirected upwards. “Light Trespass” is unwanted light shining in your windows from maybe a yard light, patio light, or streetlights. And “clutter” is the excessive use of light or “overkill.”

Light in the night sky leads to misdirected light that can disrupt delicate ecosystems. Nocturnal creatures, such as bats, rely on darkness to survive, and migrating birds are drawn off course or collide with buildings when confused by light pollution. Even plants, like soybeans planted near high interchanges are adversely affected.

Humans, too, are affected if circadian rhythms are disrupted. In darkness, the human body manufactures the hormone melatonin, which has antioxidant properties, induces sleep, boosts the immune system, and lowers cholesterol. A 2010 study by the National Institute revealed an increase in breast and prostate cancer for those who work third shift.

During International Dark Sky Week, the entities are NOT asking residents to turn off lights, but instead encouraging everyone to examine their home’s exterior lighting by considering:
• Is the lighting necessary? What are you trying to light?
• Are your lights shining in your neighbor’s windows? If so, be a good neighbor and redirect your lights.
• Any light shining above the horizon (upwards) is wasted energy, and you are paying for that energy.
• Do your lights have to be on all night? A timer or motion sensor would save you money.
• Many use lights for security but do your lights create hard shadows where perpetrators can hide? More light doesn’t necessarily make you safe.

Lighting also takes away the splendor of the night sky. It is estimated that 83% of the global population lives beneath a light-polluted sky. Roughly, 80% of Americans haven’t seen our home Galaxy, the Milky Way.

The Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society will demonstrate the effect of light pollution with two sky-viewing sessions. The first will be Wednesday, April 27 from 8-10pm at Robeson Park in Champaign, just west of the school. The second will be Friday, April 29 from 7:30 to 10pm at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Park, northeast of Rantoul. Guests will take part in a talk at the Activity Center at 7:30pm and then observe with telescopes afterwards. Both of these sessions are weather permitting and will be canceled in the event of cloudy skies.

For more information on International Dark Sky Week, see www.darksky.org.