Researchers want to map light pollution in the North
The Netherlands is known as one of the most light-polluted countries in the world, with the Randstad in particular known for having perma-orange skies. There are also hotspots (bright spots?) in the North, such as Erica (Drenthe) and Eemshaven (Groningen). Light pollution affects people, animals and plants, by disrupting biorhythms, and causing sleeping problems or even diseases. It also disrupts routes of migratory birds and changes flowering periods of plants. As reported by the GIC.
Researchers now want to map out the state of light pollution in the North, and for this they need the help of the public.
A measuring campaign has now been started together with CurioUs, an initiative of the Forum Groningen. Anyone can participate by counting the stars they see in the constellation Orion. Participants are asked to go outside, find Orion, wait 15 minutes to allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness, and then count and report the number of stars they see in the constellation. The intention is to repeat this measurement action every year in order to map the darkness.
Stars are supposed to be counted between February 1 and February 15 and March 1 and March 15, when the moon is below the horizon.
For more info and to register, check out the Forum’s website
Image by Philippe Donn via Pexels
