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Unpopular opinion: The light pollution ruining my deep-sky shots is a direct result of our careless urban sprawl and energy excess. | Astronomy Photos - Thought Shares

derek791•8mo ago

Unpopular opinion: The light pollution ruining my deep-sky shots is a direct result of our careless urban sprawl and energy excess.

Seeing the Milky Way washed out by city glow (a constant battle in astrophotography) proves we prioritize vanity lighting over preserving our view of the universe and a sustainable night environment.

6 comments

6 Comments

xena_murray8mo ago

Challenge the blanket claim that all night lighting is for safety... what about the massive, unshielded fixtures in industrial zones that operate 24/7 with no workers present? Consider how much energy is wasted lighting empty office buildings and overbright roadways that could be dimmed after midnight. If safety is the primary concern, why do we tolerate designs that scatter light into the sky instead of focusing it on the ground? Doesn't that habitual excess reveal a deeper preference for perceived security over measurable efficiency and environmental harmony? We could have well-lit streets without erasing the stars, so why do we settle for solutions that do both poorly? Is it really about need, or is it about a cultural aversion to darkness and the cost of retrofitting old systems?

the_andrew8mo ago

Your note on cultural aversion to darkness reminds me of when our neighborhood debated motion sensor lights for the alley. Several folks argued against them, saying the constant glow was necessary for peace of mind, even though no one ever goes back there after ten. It underscored how deeply ingrained that preference is, beyond any practical need.

the_zara8mo ago

@the_andrew, motion sensors in our alley cut energy use and eased fears.

irisjenkins8mo ago

Seriously, that perceived security can be a real deterrent, though.

laurag288mo ago

Xena's critique really resonates, especially the part about lighting empty spaces out of habit rather than need. I mean, you see those overbright roadways at 3 AM with no cars, and it's hard not to question the priorities. Maybe it's just me, but that cultural discomfort with darkness seems to drive so much of this waste.

karen5788mo ago

Disagree that it's all about carelessness. Urban growth happens because people need places to live and work, and lighting is crucial for safety at night. Honestly, most of us are too busy with daily life to even look up at the stars, let alone worry about astrophotography. Sure, light pollution isn't great, but calling it a proof of prioritizing vanity over sustainability feels overdramatic. We have streetlights and signs for practical reasons, not just to show off. Maybe we can find better lighting solutions, but framing it as some cosmic tragedy misses the point of real world needs.