RTE Brainstorm Report:
Here are 5 major threats to Ireland’s remaining dark skies
Analysis: Light pollution means experiencing a naturally dark night sky is becoming a rare experience
By Georgia MacMillan Dark Sky Ireland Director
In the space of five months, we have seen two of the most impressive Aurora Borealis displays of the last 25 years. These dazzling skyscapes were captured more widely than ever before, due to the improvements in smart phone camera technology and the immediacy of social media.
But not all Irish residents were able to enjoy the full splendour of the northern lights because some were left, not in the dark, but in the light. When used inappropriately or in excess, artificial light becomes light pollution and washes out the backdrop of a naturally dark sky, diluting the intensity of this natural phenomenon and, in some cases, masking it completely.
