Buzz
The view of the night sky above Mt. Doom is one of the most stunning spectacles the universe offers. Tongariro National Park on New Zealand’s North Island, home to the setting of Sauron’s lair and the creation of the One Ring in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, remains largely undeveloped by humans. When I passed through in 2011, a brief snow flurry had just passed. There were no streetlights in sight, and the main road was nothing more than a thin dark strip cutting through the snow. Surrounded by total darkness, it truly felt like the ‘Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.’
Looking up, the view was a clear representation of the universe—a scene that you typically only witness in movies or through the lens of Hubble. The sky appeared dark, but not truly dark. Brilliant hues of teal and navy were scattered across the heavens, so striking that it took me a moment to fully understand what I was witnessing. The patches of color were actually stars—billions of them—so distant and faint that they were no longer just pixels on a screen, but a living mosaic of the cosmos. There is so much up there.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT POLLUTION
Not all night skies are the same, and the reason for this phenomenon is light pollution. It is the combined effect of every excess beam of artificial lighting in a region. These photons travel in all directions, heading toward the sky, creating a dome of glowing haze over us. This has repercussions: it blocks out the stars, hampers scientific research, and disrupts ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Astronomers bemoan light pollution for one simple reason: without the ability to see clearly, they cannot study. Until every astronomer has their own private Hubble, they are limited to observing from Earth-bound telescopes. Additionally, the general public is deprived of the chance to marvel at the vast cosmos we inhabit. (For more on how light pollution affects astronomers, check out this PBS documentary.)
Environmentalists point out that wherever there is light, electricity is being consumed. The wastefulness of unnecessary lighting clearly depletes natural resources, damaging the environment. It's likely that you turn off the lights when leaving a room—this same principle should apply on a larger scale. Why keep a fast-food sign illuminated at midnight when the restaurant won’t open until 6 a.m.?
Biologists and ecologists argue that light pollution also harms the natural world. The International Dark Sky Association, a non-profit organization advocating for reasonable changes, describes how artificial light kills tens of thousands of sea turtle hatchlings each year. Born on the beach, these turtles rely on the natural glow of the horizon to find their way to the sea. But surrounded by artificial lighting, they get lost and die shortly after. Migratory birds, too, use the moon and stars for navigation and hunting. Artificial lights confuse their natural compass, often leading them into well-lit cities where disaster awaits.
TACKLING LIGHT POLLUTION
No one desires complete darkness in the world. We want and need light, but it can be better managed. Much like smog isn’t caused by a single car, but by thousands of them, the simplest change one can make is to evaluate their own outdoor lighting. What does it light up, and is it truly necessary? More specifically, where is the light being directed? Once you notice this, you can’t unsee it: Countless lamp posts and outdoor lights shine outward and upward, lighting trees and rooftops instead of the sidewalks and yards where the light is actually needed. These lights should be redirected or shielded, or ideally, both.
Do you have security lighting outside your home? Some argue that it doesn’t offer as much protection as people think. What is indisputable, however, is that these lights don’t need to be on all night long. Using motion sensors not only conserves energy but also ensures the light is only on when there’s something to be illuminated.
Finally, consider educating your local government about light pollution. This may sound daunting, but don’t worry, we’re not talking about contacting the Secretary of the Interior. Your local councilperson was elected to listen to the concerns of their community. Raise the issue! The Astronomical League’s official magazine, Reflector, offers a step-by-step guide on how to get a local lighting ordinance passed, and the International Dark Sky Association, in collaboration with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, has a sample lighting ordinance for city planners and officials to consider when revising lighting policies. Forward that information. You don’t even need to convince your elected official about the beauty of starlight: Excessive lighting causes more glare, which can be hazardous to drivers and pedestrians alike.
After all, you shouldn’t have to venture into Mordor just to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky.
