Calgary astronomers hope Dark Sky event reduces light pollution

Scientists and students are urging Albertans to reduce their use of lights at night in order to reduce light pollution.

Some concerned Calgarians are urging people to think twice before firing up the lights around their homes each night.

Reducing the use of those lights would help those studying the stars and also improve life here on Earth.

“As the light pollution grows, that background light gets brighter and brighter, and begins to hide all the very faint and interesting things we’re trying to study,” University of Calgary astronomy professor Phil Langill said.

Langill and several of his students are spreading the word on an event that begins Friday, April 22: International Dark Sky Week.

“To remind people about the light that they use at night and the ill effects that it can have,” Langill said.

“If there’s a big bright street light across the street shining into your window, that interrupts the quality of your sleep. When I get behind on my sleep, I’m a sitting duck for getting a cold and I get cranky.”

Using an abundance of lights can also cause problems for wildlife.

“Where there are lots of tall buildings, the birds get confused. They think that maybe they’re flying through a forest and the light is the space between the trees,” Langill said.