“International Dark Sky Week” marks threat of light pollution

International Dark Sky Week, which runs this year from April 15 to 22, aims to draw attention to the problems linked with light pollution and promote simple solutions available to reduce its negative impact.

Sources of light pollution, which is threatening the night sky at an alarming rate, include outdoor lighting such as streetlights, commercial and residential lighting, as well as illuminated signs.

A recent study shows that the world is currently witnessing an average increase of 9.6% in sky brightness. This means that although 18 years ago sky watchers saw an average of 250 stars in the night sky, today only an average of 100 are visible.

International Dark Sky Week was initiated in 2003 by Jennifer Barlow, a high-school student.