Thursday, November 7, 2024

Five Key Threats Facing Ireland’s Remaining Dark Skies

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Light pollution is increasingly obscuring the natural beauty of the night sky in Ireland, making the experience of witnessing a truly dark sky a rare occurrence, especially for urban residents. Recent impressive displays of the Aurora Borealis have highlighted this issue, as many were unable to see the celestial spectacle due to artificial light drowning out the view. The rapid spread of light pollution poses significant threats not only to stargazing and cultural heritage but also impacts local wildlife and human health, with the shift to energy-efficient LED lighting contributing to the problem. Furthermore, the proliferation of mega-constellation satellites is predicted to add more artificial brightness to the night sky. As light pollution continues to permeate rural areas, urgent action is needed to address its negative effects and preserve Ireland’s remaining dark skies for future generations.

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