Spanish Researchers Lead Important Study in Nature Reviewson Global Light Pollution

A recent study reveals the dramatic impact of artificial light at night and highlights the need for advanced technology to monitor it.

An international team of scientists, with a notable presence of Spanish researchers, has published an influential article in Nature Reviews that highlights the severe impacts of light pollution on ecosystems and human and animal health. The study, led by Hector Linares Arroyo from the Stars4All foundation, together with Angela Abascal from the Public University of Navarra and Alejandro Sánchez de Miguel from the Complutense University of Madrid (and scientific director of the Stars4All foundation), reveals how light Artificial light is transforming our night skies at an alarming rate.

The research indicates that more than 50% of the Earth’s surface experiences nighttime brightness levels significantly higher than natural, with some areas near artificial light sources exceeding normal levels by up to a million times. These findings are based on data collected through satellite images and stellar observations, revealing an annual increase in global light emission of at least 2%, and possibly up to 10%.

Additionally, the study criticizes current limitations in monitoring technology, especially the VIIRS satellite’s Day and Night Band (DNB) sensor, which does not detect blue light, critical for evaluating the change from traditional lighting to LED. This technological gap may be underestimating the true extent of the problem. Spain, for example, shows a very significant decrease in emissions, which can be misleading due to this effect.

In response to these challenges, the Spanish Light Pollution Studies Network has promoted, during the presidency of the European Union, a manifesto for the development and adoption of satellites with improved multispectral capabilities, capable of providing a more precise and effective evaluation of this type of pollution.

This study highlights Spain’s leadership position in light pollution research and the urgent need to advance our technological capabilities to preserve night skies for future generations.

For more information or interviews with the researchers, please contact pmisson@gmail.com