In an article Scientific American, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellites used to power the Starlink internet system are also being singled out for their “contribution” to light pollution. Although SpaceX attempted to co-opt the problem by opting for a black anti-reflective coating, the results were unfortunately inconclusive.
Photo: CTIO, NOIRLab, NSF, AURA and DECam DELVE Survey
The blue emissions of LEDs are completely devoid of red or infrared light, which has serious environmental consequences.
In fact, migratory birds and sea turtles are guided by moonlight and light pollution disorients them. Insects, an essential source of food for many animals, die when they come in contact with a light source.
Potential effects on human health as well
In an article Guardian, Professor Robert Fosbury, from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London, believes that the increase in light pollution from LEDs is playing a detrimental role in our health. According to him, “We lose red and infrared light, which has serious consequences. When red light shines on our body, it triggers mechanisms that break high blood sugar levels or stimulate melatonin production. Since the introduction of fluorescent lighting and then LEDs, this part of the spectrum The area is removed from artificial light, and I believe it plays a role in the waves of obesity and diabetes we see today.
Photo: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA, P. Marenfeld
