A map that measures light pollution intensity worldwide

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Very few of us are aware of the term light pollution- a pollution that are caused by excessive and inappropriate use of artificial lights.

The obtrusive outdoor lightening or large industrial and residential belts in urban areas lead to scattering of light that illuminates gases present in Earth's atmosphere.

Too much of light pollution can have serious consequences for human, animals and our environment.

Recently, a report on devastating effects of light pollution highlighted that due to overabundance of artificial lights at night 80% of the human population 80% of the human population can't see the Milky Way galaxy.

An international team of researchers now created an interactive map that reveals the intensity of light pollution around the globe.

The map named New World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness provides a detailed set of maps that tracks the areas where the artificial lights blocks the night sky.

The research led by Fabio Falchi from the Italian Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute (ISTIL) documents the degree to which the world is illuminated by artificial sky glow. In addition to being a scourge for astronomers, bright nights also affect nocturnal organisms and the ecosystems in which they live.

Falchi explained that unless careful consideration is given to LED color and lighting levels, this transition could unfortunately lead to a 2-3 fold increase in skyglow on clear nights.

(With ANI inputs)