Baltimore light pollution

Besides almost obliterating the stars from our night skies — more than a third of humanity is no longer able to see the Milky Way nowadays — light pollution has become a problem that goes as deep as the bottom of the sea. A study led by the University of Plymouth in the UK has found that the artificial light from coastal cities is affecting as many as three quarters of habitats on their neighboring sea floors.

The devastating effects of light pollution on animals and ecosystems have been widely observed worldwide, especially near busy mega-cities, but this is the first study of its kind to look at what excessive artificial lighting is doing to creatures at the bottom of the sea, and to present actual measurements of its impact.

Baltimore City schools are once again in the headlines for lax facilities. As the school year started, more than 20 schools had to dismiss on multiple days due to heat because they lack air conditioning.

For Dan Jorquera , a software engineer at Net Health, it was the first thing that needed to be addressed. This being the kind of funding that leads to out-of-the-box thinking, Jorquera also offered an idea for cities everywhere to consider: eliminating light pollution. My dream is walking through the city and being able to see the stars in the night sky. Ordinances for light pollution would help, but simply removing unnecessary light fixtures while adding in better LED lights that point downward instead of in all directions could help us in Baltimore see more of the night sky.

In developing a new ordinance, there will be many important factors to consider. Beyond the basic shielding requirements, IDA recommends that an ordinance address light trespass, lighting curfews and spectrum see our LED guidelines.

Questions such as these are likely to draw strong and conflicting opinions, but with enough perseverance and community support, your efforts will be rewarded. Search for:. First, IDA recommends always having friendly neighborly discussions with lighting offenders before making a complaint to local government. Second, some codes have a grandfathering provision exempting lighting that was in place before the ordinance was passed.

If your city has such a provision, many older lights may be exempt. There may be other exceptions or conditions in the code too, so be sure to look for those before making a complaint.

How to Advocate for an Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Getting an ordinance passed can be a lengthy process. Beyond the basic shielding requirements, IDA recommends that an ordinance address light trespass, lighting curfews and spectrum see our LED guidelines There are a host of other questions that need answering, including Should lighting zones be adopted? Many light domes. Clouds are brighter than sky.

M31 easily visible. Sky is bright and discoloured near the horizon in the direction of cities. The sky looks dull grey. M31 difficult and indestinct. Sky is grey up to 35 degrees. Limiting magntidue 5. Entire sky is grayish or brighter. Familliar constellations are missing stars. Fainter constellations are absent.

Less than 20 stars visible over 30 degrees elevation in brigher areas.