light pollution
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NASA backs studies on environmental effects of COVID-19 lockdowns
NASA is funding studies showing how COVID-19 lockdowns have affected air, sea and light pollution around the world.
Tracking down unexpected sources of light pollution
Light pollution is the bane of stargazers, which is why you need to get out of the city to make the best use of your telescope. However, even in the middle of nowhere, your observations might still be disrupted by stray light sources. That prompted a budding astronomer, Alex Altair, to investigate exactly what was producing US light pollution in places with nary a city or town in sight.
Your eco-friendly LED lights are drawing an awful lot more moths
Blue-light emitting LED bulbs have taken off with consumers because they have few downsides -- they're bright, use far less energy and last much longer than other types. In fact, the inventors just won a Nobel Prize, proving their huge benefit to consumers and society. But it now appears there's a teeny issue: flying insects. Scientists in New Zealand tested blue-light LEDs (which look white due to a phosphor coating) against regular yellow-hued sodium-vapor streetlights. The result? The LEDs attracted nearly 50 percent more insects, regardless of the brand and type used. While that could be a pain for your next porch party, there's a more serious downside. The researchers said that when used on city street lamps, the bulbs could interfere with the food chain and even draw invasive species like gypsy moths. [Image credit: swburdine/Flickr]
Chinese activists complain of Apple Store light pollution
Environmental activist group, Friends of the Earth HK, claims Apple's Causeway flagship store in Hong Kong is a major contributor to light pollution in the area. Apple reportedly runs about 500 lamps and spotlights over night, and the light spills outside of the store into the Hong Kong streets. According to a report in M.I.C. Gadget, Friends of the Earth HK says light from the store can be seen as far as 700 meters away. Hong Kong is known for its colorful and illuminated skyline, but all these lights may be having a negative effect on residents. A recent study suggests that parts of Hong Kong have light levels that are 1,200 times higher than international standards. This nighttime brightness is affecting the sleep patterns of residents who can't escape the blinking neon. A government task force is looking at ways of curbing light pollution from restaurants, retail outlets and other buildings in the area. Though Apple isn't being targeted by the government, M.I.C. Gadget claims the council has received several complaints about the amount of light pouring out of Apple's retail stores at night.
Homestar gets a lot cooler: now includes GPS support
I got a little flak in my previous post about Homestar, the non-game where you can learn about the stars. It seems like you guys really were interested in the game (at least those of you brave enough to leave comments). Well, Impress Watch has revealed that the game will be the second to support the upcoming GPS peripheral. Using the device, the game will be able to recreate what your night sky should look like. If you live in New York City like I do, that means you haven't seen the stars in years due to light pollution. Homestar just got a whole lot cooler in my book.Although the GPS peripheral does not have a release date, Homestar comes out in Japan in October. Check out Impress Watch for more screenshots of the game in action.[Via IGN]
