“…The presence of the Galactic plane in that direction complicates the interpretation (as the Galactic starlight represents one of the most significant contributors to the natural NSB; Duriscoe 2013; Masana et al 2021) but this evidence could be a hint that even at higher elevation (i.e., for ZA 60°) ALAN may contribute up to ∼0.15 mag arcsec −2 to the NSB of the western horizon at FJNP. When observing under very dark conditions like the ones encountered at this site, the only technique able to confirm this kind of insight seems to be spectroscopy (Kolláth & Jechow 2023).…”
Section: Fray Jorge National Park (Fjnp)mentioning
confidence: 95%
“…31 However, our SQC data do not allow us to firmly weight the relative contributions of artificial and natural sources: a diffuse light, already perceivable in the RGB frame and clearly visible in the NSB map, runs in fact across the entire horizon and suggests that during that observing night there was a fairly high airglow activity. Airglow is known to contribute significantly to the intrinsic variability of the natural sky (Kolláth & Jechow 2023; Duriscoe 2016), its composite and complex multiperiodicity being sensitive to both atmospheric and space weather factors (Grauer & Grauer 2021). As was the case for FJNP, under near-pristine conditions like those at LCO it becomes challenging to separate the artificial (observednatural) from the observed (natural + artificial) sky radiance in specific directions without any spatially resolved spectral information.…”
Section: Las Campanas Observatory (Lco)mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…For instance, the brightest section of the sky is considered significant for biological studies, including human health, while the darkest one serves as a reliable proxy for sky quality since it represents the celestial field least affected by light pollution and therefore closest to natural conditions. Although zenith values are widely reported in the literature, their suitability as a general indicator of sky quality has been questioned, particularly for areas with low-level light pollution (Falchi et al 2023;Kolláth & Jechow 2023). At the same time, the average NSB in the 30°altitude ring is considered a reliable index for astronomical research, given that most professional astronomical observations are conducted above airmass 2.…”
Section: Photometric Indicators For Cross-site Comparisonsmentioning
Light pollution is recognized as a global issue that, like other forms of anthropogenic pollution, has a significant impact on ecosystems and adverse effects on living organisms. Plentiful evidence suggests that it has been increasing at an unprecedented rate at all spatial scales. Chile—which, thanks to its unique environmental conditions, has become one of the most prominent astronomical hubs of the world—seems to be no exception. In this paper we present the results of the first observing campaign aimed at quantifying the effects of artificial lights at night on the brightness and colors of the Chilean sky. Through the analysis of photometrically calibrated all-sky images captured at four representative sites with an increasing degree of anthropization, and the comparison with state-of-the-art numerical models, we show that significant levels of light pollution have already altered the appearance of the natural sky even in remote areas. Our observations reveal that the light pollution level recorded in a small town of the Coquimbo Region is comparable with that of Flagstaff, Arizona, a ten times larger Dark Sky city, and that a mid-size urban area that is a gateway to the Atacama Desert displays photometric indicators of night sky quality that are typical of the most densely populated regions of Europe. Our results suggest that there is still much to be done in Chile to keep light pollution under control and thus preserve the darkness of its night sky—a natural and cultural heritage that it is our responsibility to protect.
“…The presence of the Galactic plane in that direction complicates the interpretation (as the Galactic starlight represents one of the most significant contributors to the natural NSB; Duriscoe 2013; Masana et al 2021) but this evidence could be a hint that even at higher elevation (i.e., for ZA 60°) ALAN may contribute up to ∼0.15 mag arcsec −2 to the NSB of the western horizon at FJNP. When observing under very dark conditions like the ones encountered at this site, the only technique able to confirm this kind of insight seems to be spectroscopy (Kolláth & Jechow 2023).…”
Section: Fray Jorge National Park (Fjnp)mentioning
confidence: 95%
“…31 However, our SQC data do not allow us to firmly weight the relative contributions of artificial and natural sources: a diffuse light, already perceivable in the RGB frame and clearly visible in the NSB map, runs in fact across the entire horizon and suggests that during that observing night there was a fairly high airglow activity. Airglow is known to contribute significantly to the intrinsic variability of the natural sky (Kolláth & Jechow 2023; Duriscoe 2016), its composite and complex multiperiodicity being sensitive to both atmospheric and space weather factors (Grauer & Grauer 2021). As was the case for FJNP, under near-pristine conditions like those at LCO it becomes challenging to separate the artificial (observednatural) from the observed (natural + artificial) sky radiance in specific directions without any spatially resolved spectral information.…”
Section: Las Campanas Observatory (Lco)mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…For instance, the brightest section of the sky is considered significant for biological studies, including human health, while the darkest one serves as a reliable proxy for sky quality since it represents the celestial field least affected by light pollution and therefore closest to natural conditions. Although zenith values are widely reported in the literature, their suitability as a general indicator of sky quality has been questioned, particularly for areas with low-level light pollution (Falchi et al 2023;Kolláth & Jechow 2023). At the same time, the average NSB in the 30°altitude ring is considered a reliable index for astronomical research, given that most professional astronomical observations are conducted above airmass 2.…”
Section: Photometric Indicators For Cross-site Comparisonsmentioning
Light pollution is recognized as a global issue that, like other forms of anthropogenic pollution, has a significant impact on ecosystems and adverse effects on living organisms. Plentiful evidence suggests that it has been increasing at an unprecedented rate at all spatial scales. Chile—which, thanks to its unique environmental conditions, has become one of the most prominent astronomical hubs of the world—seems to be no exception. In this paper we present the results of the first observing campaign aimed at quantifying the effects of artificial lights at night on the brightness and colors of the Chilean sky. Through the analysis of photometrically calibrated all-sky images captured at four representative sites with an increasing degree of anthropization, and the comparison with state-of-the-art numerical models, we show that significant levels of light pollution have already altered the appearance of the natural sky even in remote areas. Our observations reveal that the light pollution level recorded in a small town of the Coquimbo Region is comparable with that of Flagstaff, Arizona, a ten times larger Dark Sky city, and that a mid-size urban area that is a gateway to the Atacama Desert displays photometric indicators of night sky quality that are typical of the most densely populated regions of Europe. Our results suggest that there is still much to be done in Chile to keep light pollution under control and thus preserve the darkness of its night sky—a natural and cultural heritage that it is our responsibility to protect.
“…Sunlight has a continuous broadband spectrum comprising nearly all wavelengths spanning from UV radiation to the visible range and IR radiation, and the spectrum of moonlight is similar, although usually slightly shifted towards longer (red) wavelengths ( figure 2 a ). The exact spectra of sunlight and moonlight vary to some extent, depending for example on altitude [ 25 ], and airglow also affects the spectrum of the natural night sky [ 26 ]. Figure 2 Empirical or modelled data on light spectra in relation to surface waters (A. Jechow 2023, unpublished data).…”
Light pollution caused by artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognized as a major driver of global environmental change. Since emissions are rapidly growing in an urbanizing world and half of the human population lives close to a freshwater shoreline, rivers and lakes are ever more exposed to light pollution worldwide. However, although light conditions are critical to aquatic species, and freshwaters are biodiversity hotspots and vital to human well-being, only a small fraction of studies conducted on ALAN focus on these ecosystems. The effects of light pollution on freshwaters are broad and concern all levels of biodiversity. Experiments have demonstrated diverse behavioural and physiological responses of species, even at low light levels. Prominent examples are skyglow effects on diel vertical migration of zooplankton and the suppression of melatonin production in fish. However, responses vary widely among taxa, suggesting consequences for species distribution patterns, potential to create novel communities across ecosystem boundaries, and cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. Understanding, predicting and alleviating the ecological impacts of light pollution on freshwaters requires a solid consideration of the physical properties of light propagating in water and a multitude of biological responses. This knowledge is urgently needed to develop innovative lighting concepts, mitigation strategies and specifically targeted measures.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Light pollution in complex ecological systems’.
“…The quantification and characterization of the quality of the night sky can be carried out through several methodologies [43]. The study developed by Ges et al [44] proposes night sky quality indices based on spectral measurements, and the study developed by Kolláth et al [45] does so through radiance measurements. However, they all allow for generating concepts and precise tools for evaluating light pollution.…”
Solid-state lighting technology, such as LED devices, is critical to improving energy efficiency in street lighting systems. In Ecuador, government policies have established the obligation to exclusively use LED systems starting in 2023, except in special projects. Ecuador, known for its vast biodiversity, protects its national parks, which are rich in flora, fauna and natural resources, through international institutions and agreements such as UNESCO, CBD and CITES. Although reducing electrical consumption usually measures energy efficiency, this article goes further. It considers aspects such as the correlated color temperature in the lighting design of protected areas, light pollution and the decrease in energy quality due to harmonic distortion. Measurements of the electromagnetic spectrum of the light sources were made in an area in the Galápagos National Park of Ecuador, revealing highly correlated color temperatures that can affect ecosystem cycles. In addition, the investigation detected levels of light pollution increasing the night sky brightness and a notable presence of harmonic distortion in the electrical grid. Using simulations to predict the behavior of these variables offers an efficient option to help preserve protected environments and the quality of energy supply while promoting energy savings.
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