Story perspectives

LEDs Increase Sky Brightness 7% Annually, Obscure Milky Way

5/20/2026

Summary

Kyba Warns Light-Pollution

In Jan 2023 Christopher Kyba et al. reported in *Science* that artificial sky brightness grew 7-10 % per year, driven by the shift from sodium to white-LED streetlights.
A 2016 *Science Advances* study reported that 80 % of the population lives under light-polluted skies and the Milky Way is hidden from more than one-third of humanity.
The researchers said a child born with 250 visible stars would see about 100 by age 18.

Summary

UW Study Links

A 2024 University of Washington study found a correlation of r = 0.50 between low light pollution and a sense of wonder, which mediated eight astronomy-interest behaviors such as Google searches and astronaut applications.
A 2018 Penn State VR test showed brighter simulated night skies reduced mood and scenic ratings in three U.S. national parks.
Planetariums and James Webb images are described as substitutes lacking the routine character of an unobstructed night sky.

History

Historical Context

Awareness of artificial night lighting began in the late 19th century, but organized action started in the 1950s and expanded in the 1980s with the International Dark-Sky Association’s campaign. The IUCN’s 2024 report ties skyglow to energy waste and ecosystem harm, noting that about 83 % of people now live under polluted skies. In 2009 the IARC labeled shift-work light exposure a probable carcinogen.

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Kyba Warns Light-Pollution

In Jan 2023 Christopher Kyba et al. reported in *Science* that artificial sky brightness grew 7-10 % per year, driven by the shift from sodium to white-LED streetlights.
A 2016 *Science Advances* study reported that 80 % of the population lives under light-polluted skies and the Milky Way is hidden from more than one-third of humanity.
The researchers said a child born with 250 visible stars would see about 100 by age 18.

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