A study published September 4 in Park Science revealed that almost 90 percent of visitors to Acadia National Park in Maine want to be able to view dark night skies that are unpolluted by artificial light. Data was based on visitor interviews, which asked to what extent they agreed with the following statements, “Viewing the night sky is important to me” and “The National Park Service should work to protect the ability of visitors to see the night sky.”
Why Are Our Dark Night Skies Disappearing?
According to the study led by Robert Manning of the University of Vermont, “light pollution” is the cause of our disappearing dark night skies. Pollution from artificial light produces a “sky glow” that reduces the brightness of stars and impedes the ability of the human eye to fully adapt to natural darkness. An estimation made in 2000 postulated that 99% of the world’s skies were polluted with light and two-thirds of Americans could no longer view the Milky Way from their own backyard.
“It’s a typical story,” Manning says. “We begin to value things as they disappear. Fortunately, darkness is a renewable source and we can do things to restore it in parks.”
Our National Parks: Sanctuaries of Dark Night Skies
The study focused on how visitors rated the importance and quality of viewing the night sky while visiting a national park. To gauge quality, visitors were given photos of Acadia’s night sky, which had been altered with varying degrees of light pollution. They were asked which photos they found acceptable and which photos were so unacceptable that they would no longer visit the park to look at the stars.
Researchers believe this combined method will be particularly helpful in approaching the problem of light pollution as it relates to national parks.
Next Steps to Preserving the Dark Night Skies
The dark night skies that attract visitors to Acadia and other national parks in the U.S. can be preserved through controlled efforts that start inside and work their way out.
“Inside the park you want to reduce as much unnecessary light as possible.” Manning said. “Outside, the goal is to minimize light trespass. That’s more challenging, but possible.
Visitors and parks can reduce the use of flashlights and headlights and covert older style light sources to LEDs. Parks can also work with the surrounding communities to reduce light pollution. Acadia is already working with the nearby town of Bar Harbor to reduce its light pollution.
“Though light pollution may have already had irreversible biological and ecological impacts, it can be controlled and even reduced.” Manning stated. “The national parks, with their emphasis on protection of natural and cultural resources and the quality of visitor experiences are a good place to advance this cause.”
