Far Out, Man

To put it simply, the unspoiled night sky is breathtaking. Pictures fail to capture its true essence, but here's one for your enjoyment.

If you’ve never been rendered speechless by the night sky, I suggest you add it to your bucket list. Allow me to describe it as best as I can.

It’s akin to being on a hallucinogenic journey… “Far out, man.” You might not know this firsthand, but you can certainly imagine it — perhaps as a feeling you think you’d experience if you had embraced those wild college days.

It’s as though you suddenly realize that everything you thought you knew about the night sky — every full moon, glimpse of the Big Dipper, and fleeting shooting star — was merely an appetizer, a tiny glimpse of the vastness that awaits above.

This realization intensifies the awe of gazing into the universe, unencumbered by artificial light.

While any experience of the moon and stars is remarkable, nothing compares to what the night sky holds — away from the reach of urbanization.

You Can Blame Light Pollution

So, why aren’t we treated to this psychedelic experience every night? The modern lifestyle that most Americans lead distances us from the natural darkness we once knew.

On the upside, we have electricity and lights.

On the downside, we have electricity and lights.

Our electrified environment supports our contemporary lives but obstructs our connection to the Milky Way.

Technological advancements have propelled society forward, but they come with consequences. With increasing awareness of climate change and plastic waste, many are beginning to realize this cost.

Yet, discussions about the implications of artificial light pollution are rare. This issue has persisted for years.

Consider this excerpt from a NASA report released two decades ago:

“The Milky Way is fading, not due to the impending end of the universe, but as a result of light pollution: the unintended brightening of the atmosphere from streetlights, outdoor advertisements, homes, schools, airports, and other sources. Each night, billions of bulbs direct their energy skyward, where tiny particles — air molecules, dust, and water vapor droplets — reflect much of the wasted light back down.”

This topic hasn’t been prioritized over the last 20 years. It might not seem pressing, so why should it matter?

I suppose we can’t naturally immerse ourselves in the vastness of the cosmos. Oh well.

What’s the significance, anyway?

Interestingly, it does matter. Our excessive nighttime electricity use disconnects us from darkness, straining both our bodies and minds.

Bright Lights at Night Harm Our Bodies

“We’ve evolved in bright days and dark nights, just like all life on Earth, and we need both for optimal health.” — Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night.

Most of us don’t give much thought to the myriad lights that remain on during the night in our cities and towns. Why would we? It’s out of our control. I’m referring to “street lamps, sports fields, billboards, and parking lots — even prison lights,” which NASA identified in a 2001 report as the greatest contributors to light pollution.

From a safety perspective, this makes sense; we naturally fear dark spaces.

Why else do we dread dark alleyways?

This fear is the primary reason streetlights and parking lot lights were introduced. No one wants to risk being caught in a dimly lit area. So, people found a solution: illuminate the night. It’s safer, and we can continue our activities even after sunset.

Seems like a win-win, right?

Wrong. These safety measures carry consequences. The most apparent is the disruption of our circadian rhythms. This rhythm governs our bodies' 24-hour cycles of day and night, influencing brain waves and managing essential bodily functions like cell activity and hormone production. Crucially, light plays a significant role in this cycle.

Interference with our circadian rhythms can lead to numerous health problems: “metabolic syndrome, obesity, premature aging, diabetes, irregular heartbeats, immune deficiencies, hypertension, and disturbed sleep patterns.”

Thus, while we gain physical safety at night, we simultaneously sacrifice our health and overall well-being.

Moreover, we experience a psychological deficit as we miss out on the profound awareness that comes from witnessing our home in the universe — the Milky Way.

But I’ll reserve that discussion for another time.

What Can You Do?

So, what steps can be taken? Great question. Here are some valuable resources to get you started:

• If you control your outdoor lighting, opt for dark sky-approved fixtures! They minimize glare and unnecessary upward light, contributing less to light pollution while ensuring safety.
• Consider using motion sensors or timers for your lights; this keeps your environment illuminated, saves on electricity, and reduces light pollution!
• “Switch off unnecessary indoor lighting — especially in unoccupied office buildings at night.”
• Explore the International Dark-Sky Association’s website for more insights (yes, there’s an organization dedicated to preserving our night skies… illustrating how far our civilization has strayed).
• Mark your calendars! April 5–12 is International Dark Sky Week 2021. Discover more from those worldwide advocating for the night.

Experience It For Yourself

Finally, treat yourself to the wonder of the Milky Way. While this may not be feasible for everyone, if you have the interest and resources, I highly recommend it. Bring along a friend (safely within your COVID bubble) to share the experience.

The IDSA has vetted various communities, parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, so you can select a location that guarantees a rich night sky experience. Just keep in mind that weather and the time of year significantly affect your viewing opportunities. Utilize these handy calendars to ensure you plan your visit at the right time.

These options might be ideal for a pandemic getaway since they typically take place outdoors. (As always, stay safe from COVID.) You may be surprised to find a spot closer to you than you think. So, venture out and revel in the breathtaking beauty of the night sky!

Thank you for reading! Do you have a story about witnessing the Milky Way? Share it in the comments. And here’s another intriguing article: