Latest news with #OutdoorLighting
Fast Company
01-08-2025
- Science
- Fast Company
Light pollution is making it harder for astronomers to study the universe
Outdoor lighting for buildings, roads and advertising can help people see in the dark of night, but many astronomers are growing increasingly concerned that these lights could be blinding us to the rest of the universe. Hot science in the cold, dark night While orbiting telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope or the James Webb Space Telescope give researchers a unique view of the cosmos—particularly because they can see light blocked by the Earth's atmosphere—ground-based telescopes also continue to drive cutting-edge discovery. Telescopes on the ground capture light with gigantic and precise focusing mirrors that can be 20 to 35 feet wide. Moving all astronomical observations to space to escape light pollution would not be possible, because space missions have a much greater cost and so many large ground-based telescopes are already in operation or under construction. Around the world, there are 17 ground-based telescopes with primary mirrors as big or bigger than Webb's 20-foot mirror, and three more under construction with mirrors planned to span 80 to 130 feet. The newest telescope starting its scientific mission right now, the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, has a mirror with a 28-foot diameter and a 3-gigapixel camera. One of its missions is to map the distribution of dark matter in the universe. To do that, it will collect a sample of 2.6 billion galaxies. The typical galaxy in that sample is 100 times fainter than the natural glow in the nighttime air in the Earth's atmosphere, so this Rubin Observatory program depends on near-total natural darkness. Any light scattered at night—road lighting, building illumination, billboards—would add glare and noise to the scene, greatly reducing the number of galaxies Rubin can reliably measure in the same time, or greatly increasing the total exposure time required to get the same result. The LED revolution Astronomers care specifically about artificial light in the blue-green range of the electromagnetic spectrum, as that used to be the darkest part of the night sky. A decade ago, the most common outdoor lighting was from sodium vapor discharge lamps. They produced an orange-pink glow, which meant that they put out very little blue and green light. Even observatories relatively close to growing urban areas had skies that were naturally dark in the blue and green part of the spectrum, enabling all kinds of new observations. Then came the solid-state LED lighting revolution. Those lights put out a broad rainbow of color with very high efficiency, meaning they produce lots of light per watt of electricity. The earliest versions of LEDs put out a large fraction of their energy in the blue and green, but advancing technology now gets the same efficiency with 'warmer' lights that have much less blue and green. Nevertheless, the formerly pristine darkness of the night sky now has much more light, particularly in the blue and green, from LEDs in cities and towns, lighting roads, public spaces, and advertising. The broad output of color from LEDs affects the whole spectrum, from ultraviolet through deep red. The U.S. Department of Energy commissioned a study in 2019 which predicted that the higher energy efficiency of LEDs would mean that the amount of power used for lights at night would go down, with the amount of light emitted staying roughly the same. But satellites looking down at the Earth reveal that just isn't the case. The amount of light is going steadily up, meaning that cities and businesses were willing to keep their electricity bills about the same as energy efficiency improved, and just get more light. Natural darkness in retreat As human activity spreads out over time, many of the remote areas that host observatories are becoming less remote. Light domes from large urban areas slightly brighten the dark sky at mountaintop observatories up to 200 miles away. When these urban areas are adjacent to an observatory, the addition to the skyglow is much stronger, making detection of the faintest galaxies and stars that much harder. When the Mount Wilson Observatory was constructed in the Angeles National Forest near Pasadena, California, in the early 1900s, it was a very dark site, considerably far from the 500,000 people living in Greater Los Angeles. Today, 18.6 million people live in the L.A. area, and urban sprawl has brought civilization much closer to Mount Wilson. When Kitt Peak National Observatory was first under construction in the late 1950s, it was far from metro Tucson, Arizona, with its population of 230,000. Today, that area houses 1 million people, and Kitt Peak faces much more light pollution. Even telescopes in darker, more secluded regions—like northern Chile or western Texas—experience light pollution from industrial activities like open-pit mining or oil and gas facilities. The case of the European Southern Observatory An interesting modern challenge is facing the European Southern Observatory, which operates four of the world's largest optical telescopes. Their site in northern Chile is very remote, and it is nominally covered by strict national regulations protecting the dark sky. AES Chile, an energy provider with strong U.S. investor backing, announced a plan in December 2024 for the development of a large industrial plant and transport hub close to the observatory. The plant would produce liquid hydrogen and ammonia for green energy. Even though formally compliant with the national lighting norm, the fully built operation could scatter enough artificial light into the night sky to turn the current observatory's pristine darkness into a state similar to some of the legacy observatories now near large urban areas. This light pollution could mean the facility won't have the same ability to detect and measure the faintest galaxies and stars. Light pollution doesn't only affect observatories. Today, around 80% of the world's population cannot see the Milky Way at night. Some Asian cities are so bright that the eyes of people walking outdoors cannot become visually dark-adapted. In 2009, the International Astronomical Union declared that there is a universal right to starlight. The dark night sky belongs to all people—its awe-inspiring beauty is something that you don't have to be an astronomer to appreciate. Richard Green is an astronomer emeritus at Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona. The early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, September 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Forbes
Govee's New Outdoor Light Has You Covered In All Directions
The new Govee Outdoor UpDown Wall Light, the first all-around dynamic wall light featuring ... More independently adjustable colors on all four sides Govee has just revealed its latest Matter-compatible outdoor smart light, one that can cast color in all four directions, which it is claiming as a first for a wall-mounted fixture. The brilliantly-named Outdoor UpDown Wall Light is available now for $129.99 (or $229.99 for a two-pack), and features independently controllable RGB zones on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the unit, letting you create dynamic color effects across up to 12 square meters of wall space. The up and down beams use RGBWW LEDs to allow for tunable white light as well as color, while the left and right sides use Govee's RGBIC tech, which supports individual LED zone control. The total brightness tops out at 1,200 lumens in bright white mode. Mounting is possible through either an existing outdoor light fitting, or by simply plugging into a regular plug socket. As with Govee's other smart home devices, the Outdoor UpDown Wall Light is controlled through the ever-improving Govee app, with its multitude of scenes and effects. See also: Govee Goes Big On Design For New Smart Lamp Line-Up For the Outdoor UpDown Wall Light, we're told that includes 64 preset scenes, 19 DIY modes, and also access to Govee's AI-powered 'Lighting Bot' that generates color suggestions based on typed prompts. Voice control is available via Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, and the light also supports Matter-over-WiFi, opening up pretty much any other smart home ecosystem that your connected abode may be running on. As always with Matter though, you will want to use the Govee app for those aforementioned advanced features, such as custom scenes and AI effects. The Outdoor UpDown Wall Light boasts an IP66 rating, making it resistant to dust, heavy rain, and pressure jets, and it's rated to operate between –4°F and 113°F. Govee says the light is also UV resistant for long-term outdoor use. The Outdoor UpDown Wall Light is available now via Govee's website and Amazon. There are also bundles that include Govee's motion sensor.
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Access Fixtures Introduces BOST Post-Top Fixtures - Classic Bostonian Style LED Post Top Lights
Access Fixtures launches BOST Post-Top LED Lights, a classic Bostonian style with EXTREME-LIFE LEDs for efficient, durable outdoor lighting. BAA/BABA compliant. 'BOST Post Top LED blends classic Bostonian style with EXTREME-LIFE LEDs (L70 @ 187,000 hours) for durable, efficient lighting in public spaces, meeting modern infrastructure and aesthetic needs.'— Steven Rothschild, CEO WORCESTER, MA, UNITED STATES, June 9, 2025 / / -- Access Fixtures, a leading provider of commercial, industrial, and sports lighting solutions, announces the launch of BOST Post-Top Light Fixtures, Classic Bostonian-Style LED Post Top Lights, a timeless lighting solution that merges traditional design with high-performance LED technology. Designed to replace HID lighting systems up to 100w MH or HPS, the BOST Post Top lights offer architectural appeal, energy-efficient operation, and modern photometric performance for pathways, campuses, public plazas, and outdoor community spaces. Architectural Grade With its iconic lantern-style silhouette and refined support structure, the BOST Post Top lights bring classic Bostonian design to contemporary outdoor lighting applications. Crafted from precision-engineered die-cast aluminum, it features a chromate conversion coating and a textured black powder-coat finish for corrosion resistance and durability. Custom RAL color finishes are also available to match site-specific branding or architectural requirements. This architectural-grade construction makes BOST ideal for parks, urban streetscapes, and institutional environments where classic style and rugged performance must coexist. BAA and BABA Compliant BOST Post Top fixtures meet both Build America (BAA) and Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) compliance requirements, making them the ideal lighting solution for public infrastructure, transportation hubs, campuses, and other federally funded projects that require domestically sourced and manufactured components. EXTREME-LIFE with LED Efficiency Powered by advanced LEDs rated L70 @ 187,000 hours, BOST Post Top fixtures deliver EXTREME-LIFE performance, reducing maintenance and ensuring long-term reliability. Offered in 10w, 19w, and 28w models, they include Kelvin temperature options of 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K, meeting a range of lighting needs for visibility, aesthetics, and compliance. 'The BOST Post Top Light combines architectural tradition with advanced lighting technology,' said Steven Rothschild, CEO of Access Fixtures. 'It's designed to perform in many public spaces while maintaining the elegance of historic outdoor lighting. With EXTREME-LIFE LEDs and durable construction, it meets the technical and aesthetic needs of today's infrastructure projects.' BOST Post Top fixtures are available in Type II, III, IV, or V distributions, feature a UV-stabilized polycarbonate vandal-resistant lens, and are designed to mount on a 'P3' 2⅞″ O.D. x 3″ tenon. The fixture operates on 120–277v or 347–480v, includes 0–10v dimming, and comes standard with 2kV surge protection (10kV optional). Optional features include a twist-lock photocell, microwave motion sensor, battery backup, and cold-start battery backup rated to -20°C. BOST is IP66 rated, CSA-listed for wet locations, and compliant with ANSI/UL 1598 and 8750 standards. With an EPA of 0.8 and a 5-year limited warranty, BOST Post Tops deliver reliable, long-lasting illumination in any outdoor environment. About Access Fixtures Access Fixtures is a leading provider of high-performance lighting solutions, committed to delivering innovative products that redefine industry standards. Focusing on sustainability, quality, and versatility, Access Fixtures manufactures a range of lighting fixtures designed to meet diverse needs across various applications. For more information, visit Access Fixtures at Steven Rothschild Access Fixtures +1 800-468-9925 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Gulf News
23-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf News
UAE residents urged to take Dark Sky Week pledge
Here is how you can show your support to prevent threat of light pollution Last updated: Dubai: It is International Dark Sky Week and UAE residents have been urged to show their support to prevent the growing threat of light pollution. The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) has called on its members and the wider group of residents to 'show the world your support for dark skies and the protection of nighttime environments by linking your name to the cause.' This is possible by taking the pledge of the website of the International Dark Sky Week, a global movement to raise awareness about the growing threat of light pollution and to remind us of something we are all born with: the right to experience a natural night sky. 'For many, darkness is misunderstood or feared, but it's essential for our planet's health and well-being,' said Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, operations manager at DAG. 'From wildlife to human sleep cycles, dark skies play a vital role in life on Earth,' she pointed out. Hence, the Group has asked residents to join it this week to rediscover the night and learn how light pollution is impacting the world and what simple actions we can take to preserve it. The pledge reads: 'I pledge to protect the night by following the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, using lights only when and where I need them, and learning more about the impacts of artificial light on wildlife, habitats, and my community.' 'We recommend everyone does what they can to help protect the night sky. Together, we can reclaim the stars for future generations,' the campaign says. How you can help: Use light only of needed Dim or switch off unnecessary outdoor lights. Use motion sensors and warmer colour lighting at home. Use warmer colours when possible Educate others and share what you learn. How light becomes harmful According to the World Economic Forum's March 2025 report, light pollution is rapidly increasing, with artificial lighting now affecting nearly 80% of the planet. This surge is linked to urbanisation and the widespread use of electric lighting. The consequences are far-reaching: wildlife, including birds, bats, and insects, experience disrupted behaviours and reproductive cycles. Humans are also affected, with studies indicating a correlation between exposure to artificial light at night and various health issues, such as sleep disorders and certain cancers. Moreover, light pollution contributes to energy wastage and hinders climate change research by obscuring the night sky. Experts advocate for immediate measures to reduce artificial light at night in urban areas and residential spaces to mitigate these adverse effects. Related Stories Dubai gold price surge: Will it cool off anytime soon? 2m read Free shuttle buses announced for Dubai AI Week 2025 2m read All the buzz around the new Netflix thriller Glass Dome 2m read Hit Show wins $12 million Dubai World Cup 4m read
