LIGHT POLLUTION
THE WORLD AFTER DARK
More than 80% of the world population experiences some form of light pollution.
Few realize the effect of light pollution has had on humankind over the last century. As the Earth accelerates towards an increasingly stimulated world, many are simply not stopping in any way, shape or form. Humans are looking down instead of upwards. This becomes quite the twist as it is our gaze upwards and the stars two which we owe our original inspiration for the very religions, art, literature, cultures and science upon which we have established this modern world.
This series explores the issue of light pollution and its effect on humankind through the photographic lens of long exposure photography. If you have questions about light pollution or need resources to further understand you can go to www.darksky.org and learn more about how you can help.
An evening smoke on the front porch in Boise, Idaho on deadline during and editing project. Constant exposure to artificial light created from smartphones, laptops or digital light of most sorts can create issues such as sleeping disorders and depression. I dealt with this for years as a result of a career as a video editor. I found relief from stepping outside and looking up for breaks from the screen.
In 2001, Flagstaff, Arizona was named the world's first official International Dark Sky City. This was part of one of the first coordinated efforts to create Dark Sky Preserves to specifically reduce light pollution. The town is originally know for the Lowell Observatory which is credited with the discovery of Pluto in 1930. It's population at that time was around 4,000 and is now nearing 100,000 and fighting to keep it's hold on a light pollution sanctuary.
Jupiter and the Milky Way rising over the Colorado River outside Arches National Park in Utah. Arches National Park is designated as a International Dark Sky Park which is designated as a spot having an "exceptional or distinguished quality if starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment."
A views during a halftime break of a Phoenix Suns NBA game on TNT in Boise, Idaho. Whether it be sports, reality television, Instagram or even a good thing like a book, humans are increasingly comfortable being constantly stimulated. We rarely pause, even if for short moments. While I was taking care of my 90-year-old grandfather, I learned from his inability to leave his bed and began to take moments to pause and picked up meditation to help ease my issues of depression and sleep disorders.
An evening hike in Death Valley National Park under the light of a near full moon. As the issue of light pollution has risen into public knowledge so has the desire to experience our world at night. Death Valley National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park and draws visitors from the urban across the world in addition to those looking to escape the sprawls of the nearby Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Pinnacles National Park is a new additional the United States National Park System and only a short two hour drive from downtown San Francisco. This photo comes at the beginning of the 2021 International Dark Sky Week. This week is an effort to raise awareness surrounding the issue of light pollution and its effect on the climate and human health.
The International Dark Sky Association estimates that around 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the United States is wasted. Additionally, lighting has been shown to have little affect on crime. Adjusting city lighting infrastructure accordingly is economically friendly and saves money.
