Light Pollution
Hailey Swan
Mrs. Barger
Physical Science
22 May 2013
Light Pollution Sin City, better known as Las Vegas, full of its twinkling bright lights and flashing advertisements at night, is a huge tourist attraction. However, can you look up at the desert sky and see the Milky Way? The answer to this question is no. The light pollution in Vegas is so strong that it can be seen from outer space. Light Pollution is misdirected and misused light. This results from an inappropriate application of exterior lighting products. Light Pollution comes in different forms, all having their own negative effects. This type of pollution affects astronomy, nature, economics, and security. According to GeoGise.com, there are five different types of light pollution, the first being Light Trespass. This happens when unwanted light from outside enters another person’s house or property. This light is common in cities and suburbs. It’s similar to a car shining its headlights through a window while someone is trying to sleep. Light Trespass disturbs sleep, blocks views, and causes an obstacle for amateur astronomers. The second type of light pollution is Over-Illumination; the excessive use of light for commercial, residential, and industrial grounds. This is caused by not using sensors or timers to control the putting out of lights. By using inexpensive lighting we can prevent the rise of energy bills. Thirdly, there is Glare Light Pollution. When there is an excess of contrast between dark and light areas in ones field of view, glare results. When this light is shone into the eyes of nighttime drivers, their vision is obstructed due to the human eye not being capable of adjusting to such drastic brightness changes. Thousands of accidents on the road occur because of this. Next, is Clutter Pollution, excessive groupings of light. These groupings are called clutter because they cause confusion, distract ones attention, and cause accidents. An example of this would be bold and bright
Mrs. Barger
Physical Science
22 May 2013
Light Pollution Sin City, better known as Las Vegas, full of its twinkling bright lights and flashing advertisements at night, is a huge tourist attraction. However, can you look up at the desert sky and see the Milky Way? The answer to this question is no. The light pollution in Vegas is so strong that it can be seen from outer space. Light Pollution is misdirected and misused light. This results from an inappropriate application of exterior lighting products. Light Pollution comes in different forms, all having their own negative effects. This type of pollution affects astronomy, nature, economics, and security. According to GeoGise.com, there are five different types of light pollution, the first being Light Trespass. This happens when unwanted light from outside enters another person’s house or property. This light is common in cities and suburbs. It’s similar to a car shining its headlights through a window while someone is trying to sleep. Light Trespass disturbs sleep, blocks views, and causes an obstacle for amateur astronomers. The second type of light pollution is Over-Illumination; the excessive use of light for commercial, residential, and industrial grounds. This is caused by not using sensors or timers to control the putting out of lights. By using inexpensive lighting we can prevent the rise of energy bills. Thirdly, there is Glare Light Pollution. When there is an excess of contrast between dark and light areas in ones field of view, glare results. When this light is shone into the eyes of nighttime drivers, their vision is obstructed due to the human eye not being capable of adjusting to such drastic brightness changes. Thousands of accidents on the road occur because of this. Next, is Clutter Pollution, excessive groupings of light. These groupings are called clutter because they cause confusion, distract ones attention, and cause accidents. An example of this would be bold and bright