Wingra Watershed Light Pollution

What Is Light Pollution?

• Light pollution is the unnecessary and careless lighting that makes it difficult for most stargazers to see and enjoy the night sky.
• Light pollution also wastes money and electricity, which in today’s society most people are concerned about.
• Below are pictures taken from around Lake Wingra. Edgewood College is clearly one of the biggest light pollution contributors.

Watershed Photos

Research
This project looked at how light pollution limited ones ability to fully view the night sky. This was done by looking at what magnitude stars were visible at night from a fairly light polluted location on campus.

Standing between the campus high school and the campus grade school readings were taken from different star constellations to determine the lowest magnitude star that was visible.

Results showed that the lowest star magnitude that could be seen on a clear night with almost no moon was a magnitude 3. This means that approximately only 283 stars can be seen from Edgewood’s campus. That is a sad number when compared to an area that is able to see down to a magnitude 6. They are able to see 8,768 stars.

Star Magnitude Chart

How Does it Effect Us?

• More light often gives the illusion of more safety. This leads to improper and unnecessary lighting and still will not solve the problem of security.
• Light pollution is WASTEFUL! It is something that one person cannot control and the light pollution of just one person can affect many.
• For example did you ever have a neighbor who had a garage light that would shine all night right into your bedroom window and regardless of our protests he continued to leave it on all night long every night, disregarding yours and other neighbors suggestions and attempts for a compromise.
• On the Edgewood Campus many lights give off unnecessary light that could easily be dealt with and could possibly help to save the school and its students money.

Effects on Wildlife

• Light pollution also affects the wildlife around the watershed. It can alter the day length, which influences the activities of plants and animals.
• Moths and other night-flying insects are attracted to lights, and it is believed that street lighting may adversely affect their populations.

What can be done about Light Pollution?
There are many very easy solutions for light pollution:

1. Lights when placed correctly will serve their purpose. Research before placing lights where the best and most efficient places are.
2. Lights that are already installed can be caped or repositioned. Here are a few examples of light covers that help to reduce light pollution.
3. Light sensors and timers are GREAT. These allow for the necessary amount of light at the necessary times. These are inexpensive and easy to install.

Wingra Night Sky Preserve?

• Lake Wingra has been proposed as a night sky preserve where stargazers would be able to escape the city lights.
• Currently around Lake Wingra magnitude 3 stars can be seen.
• If light pollution was reduced it could be possible to be able to see a magnitude 4 or even 5.
• This would allow 3 to 9 times more stars to be seen around Lake Wingra