Urban expansion escalates both light and air pollution, posing significant threats to environmental health and energy sustainability. This study presents a spatiotemporal analysis of light pollution in Antalya, Turkey, and explores its relationship to urban air quality. Using ground-based measurements from a sky quality meter (SQM), clouds masks from EUMETSAT, and satellite data from NASA's Black Marble, a comprehensive analysis of night sky brightness and its long-term trends was conducted from 2012 to 2023. Analysis of annual composites identified specific development projects, such as a new hospital and airport expansion, as major sources of increased brightness, with total radiance consistently rising across all districts, reflecting urban sprawl. The relationship between particulate matter (PM2.5) and satellite-observed radiance was examined using data from four ground-based air quality monitoring stations. Despite filtering for clear-sky conditions and moonlight, no statistically significant correlation was found on monthly or daily timescales. This null result likely reflects the decoupling between surface-based PM2.5 measurements and the vertically integrated aerosol column influencing satellite-observed radiance. Upward radiant flux was also quantified to estimate a lower bound in terms of electric cost. Our findings highlight the impact of rapid urbanization on light pollution and provide a baseline for developing targeted mitigation strategies, while indicating that the interplay with air quality in this region is complex.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a pervasive anthropogenic pollutant, increasing in intensity and scope. While its impacts on biological and ecological processes are well documented among terrestrial taxa, marine organisms have received less attention, though a quarter of the world's coastlines are affected by artificial light at night. Furthermore, the intergenerational effects of artificial light at night have never been documented in the wild. We conducted a field manipulation experiment in the lagoon of Mo'orea, French Polynesia, using LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lights to test artificial light at night's effects on adult life-history and offspring fitness of the coral reef anemonefish Amphiprion chrysopterus. Exposing adults and embryos to LEDs, we found artificial light at night enhanced adult growth but did not alter measured reproductive traits, including fecundity. We observed reduced parental reproductive hormone levels with downstream consequences for offspring. Hatching success was unchanged, but offspring showed reduced embryonic heart rate and yolk sac size, and drastically diminished larval escape responses and swimming performance. This comprehensive study is the first in a wild organism to demonstrate combined intergenerational and direct negative effects of artificial light at night, highlighting limited compensatory capacity. These impacts could impair larval recruitment and hinder population replenishment in reef fish. This research underscores urgent need for conservation and management to address artificial lighting impacts.

Phenological effects of artificial light at night on urban trees: A case study on microclimate and light pollution

PT. X Bali is a chicken-slaughtering industry in Tabanan Regency, Bali, and has been operating since 2008. The production process in this industry requires large amounts of air for washing, which ultimately produces liquid waste. The liquid waste produced has the potential to pollute the environment. This study aims to activate the liquid waste processing unit at PT's Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL). X Bali, analyze the impact on the environment, and develop a management strategy. The study was conducted by collecting data from the source of liquid waste production, including the amount produced, its characteristics, and the capacity of the liquid waste processing facility. The IPAL was evaluated from a technical standpoint, considering its suitability with the design criteria for each unit. The environmental impact evaluation was conducted by analyzing changes in the pollution index (PI) of the river receiving the IPAL effluent due to the pollutant load from the IPAL. Furthermore, through a SWOT analysis, a management strategy for the IPAL was formulated based on its current conditions. The results of the study showed that the efficiency of the IPAL PT. X Bali for TSS parameters is only 41%, while BOD, COD, oil & fat, and NH₃ parameters show efficiency above 90%. The results of the class 4 river water pollution index indicate that the water quality status of the Yeh Penet tributary in the study area is "Light Pollution (CR)". The results of the strategy formulation determine the operators specifically tasked with maintaining the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL).

Ecological continuity cannot be limited to spatial surfaces and corridors without consideration of the day–night cycle. This integration is achieved through the implementation of dark infrastructure, a field that remains comparatively understudied. The present article proposes a methodological approach for implementing dark infrastructure within an urban forest near Liège (Belgium), where the ecological network has recently been characterised, but nocturnal landscape-specificities are not included. Several sources of information were combined, including satellite imagery, a point-light map and the existing ecological network. The research seeks to illustrate conflicts between ecological requirements and human activities, with particular emphasis on public, and private lighting. In the discussion, the paper identifies methodological limitations, characterises the nature of light pollution, and lists planning issues for the cohabitation of human activities and nocturnal species’ habitats.

Rapid urbanization has driven widespread increases in artificial light at night, intensifying energy use, light pollution, and sustainability challenges. However, its ecological impacts, particularly on vegetation phenological transitions, remain poorly understood. Using 62,994 site-year in situ records and satellite observations across 452 cities from 2001 to 2022, we show that elevated levels of artificial light at night are associated with delayed dates of foliar senescence in urban areas. This delaying effect is spatially heterogeneous and nonlinear, being most pronounced at low light intensities ( < 15 nW cm-2 sr-1) and decreasing or saturating at higher levels. Regional variability in effects of artificial light at night is primarily shaped by urban socioeconomic factors and vegetation traits. Mechanistically, the delaying effect may result from enhanced carbon assimilation and altered climatic responses. We further improve the phenological modeling by incorporating the effects of artificial light at night and project overall later foliar senescence dates than currently predicted. Collectively, our findings highlight a previously underrecognized pathway by which urbanization alters vegetation phenology, with implications for forecasting ecosystem dynamics under continued urban growth and climate change.

Ecological traps, poor-quality habitats that attract animals, significantly threaten ecosystems but have rarely been documented in marine environments. In fish, early life-history events, such as larval settlement, play a key role in shaping individual survival, population stability, and community interactions. While evidence suggests that late-stage fish and invertebrate larvae exhibit a phototactic response, the effects of light pollution on larval settlement and survival remain poorly understood. Here, we simulated environmental light pollution on coral reefs using artificial light to examine its impact on fish settlement and post-settlement consequences. We found that settlement was up to eight times higher onto corals exposed to light pollution compared to those under natural conditions. However, exposure to light pollution reduced recruit survival by half, desynchronized settlement from the full moon and reduced size at settlement. We identified key mechanisms contributing to increased mortality of individuals exposed to artificial light, including disruptions in resting metabolic rhythm and higher predation (due to heightened predator attraction). Additionally, we reveal potential trait compensation in body condition and maximum metabolic rate, traits linked to fitness. However, despite these potential compensatory mechanisms, light pollution functions as a severe ecological trap for fish, attracting individuals into suboptimal environments where they experience higher mortality. This underscores the need to regulate light pollution as a critical environmental stressor.

Light pollution: Should twilight be the focus of mitigations for biodiversity?

Short-wavelength blue light is commonly encountered in daily life and has been shown to be harmful to the health of organisms. This study aimed to examine the impact of blue light on aging and to explore the potential anti-aging effects of three flavonoids-luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol-under conditions of blue light exposure. The experiment employed Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, by feedingvarious concentrations of the three flavonoids and subsequent exposure to short-wavelength blue light. Administration of the highest concentration of the three flavonoids to D. melanogaster was associated with a reduced risk of mortality during adulthood. Male D. melanogaster receiving the highest concentration of flavonoids, as well as those receiving luteolin and quercetin individually, exhibited a reduced initial aging rate (b₀), resulting in an extended mean lifespan and a narrower lifespan distribution compared with the control group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effects of flavonoids on the aging process in organisms subjected to blue light. These findings provide important insights into the development of strategies to mitigate aging in the presence of blue-light-induced damage and contribute to a broader understanding of environmental influences on health and aging.

When nocturnally migrating birds encounter low-level light pollution patches: a case study from the Croatian coast

Abstract Imagine standing beneath the Himalayan night sky, where stars shine with a clarity rarely seen elsewhere on Earth. Despite possessing some of the planet’s most pristine skies and highest elevations, the Himalayan region remains surprisingly overlooked for astro-tourism. This research explores a compelling question: Can the Himalayas become a world-class destination for stargazing while protecting the very darkness that makes it special? Astro-tourism—traveling to places with minimal light pollution to experience celestial wonders—is growing globally, yet the Himalayas’ natural gifts remain largely untapped. We investigated why this gap exists and how to bridge it responsibly. We surveyed 120 potential travelers, primarily urban residents aged 25-45 (70% female), asking what they know about astro-tourism, what interests or concerns them, and whether they would actually visit Himalayan stargazing destinations. What we discovered was both encouraging and revealing. Here’s the paradox: while 60% of people had heard of astro-tourism, only 20% had experienced it—a huge awareness-participation gap suggesting enormous untapped potential. Even better, over 70% expressed genuine enthusiasm about stargazing in the Himalayas. However, they identified real barriers: limited information about where to go, accessibility challenges, and cost concerns kept appearing in responses. Perhaps most telling, 86% emphasized that making this work requires genuine collaboration—not isolated efforts by government, tourism operators, or communities working separately, but coordinated partnerships bringing everyone together. When asked what matters most, respondents were clear: quality telescopic equipment and strict protection of dark skies. People want authentic astronomical experiences, not compromised ones. Our research identified eight promising locations, each with unique strengths: Leh-Ladakh’s Hanle Observatory (one of the world’s highest), Spiti Valley (exceptional visibility with relative accessibility), Sikkim (blending clear skies with cultural appeal), Nepal’s Annapurna and Everest regions (dramatic high-altitude viewing), Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley (environmentally conscious preservation), plus emerging opportunities in Tibet, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Arunachal Pradesh. From these findings, we developed a practical eight-point roadmap: launch targeted awareness campaigns; integrate astronomy education through guided experiences; build sustainable infrastructure; create affordable packages; establish multi-stakeholder partnerships; invest in quality observation facilities; implement dark-sky protection policies; and position the Himalayas within global astro-tourism networks. This research fills a notable gap in tourism studies, which have largely ignored astro-tourism potential in high-altitude regions. Our findings offer practical guidance for policymakers and destination managers facing real development decisions. The Himalayan region holds considerable promise, but realizing it depends on coordinated action and genuine environmental commitment. Keywords: Astro-tourism, Himalayan region, sustainable tourism development, dark-sky preservation, celestial tourism, niche tourism, environmental conservation, stakeholder collaboration

Artificial light at night disrupts fertility in Drosophila melanogaster.

Impact of artificial light at night on zebrafish circadian rhythms: Insights from behavioural and molecular data.

Abstract Aim Sleep quality is often impaired in hospitalised patients, particularly in critical care, and is associated with worse outcomes such as increased delirium. Environmental factors, including excessive noise and bright lighting at night, contribute significantly to sleep disruption. This audit evaluated compliance with local guidelines on noise and light control and their impact on patients’ sleep. Method Compliance with the trust guideline ‘lights out and radios off by 10 pm’ was assessed in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU). Night-time noise levels were recorded at 4-hourly intervals. Patient-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). A second cycle was then conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions such as raising awareness of critical care staffs, offering eye masks and ear plugs to patients, and clustering nursing intervention and care overnight. Results Compliance improved in both ITU (lights: 20% to 30%; radio: 70% to 70%) and HDU (lights: 56% to 70%; radio: 56% to 80%). Average night-time noise levels fell from 46 dB to 40 dB. Reported sleep duration increased in ITU (5.1 to 5.3 hours) and HDU (4.0 to 5.5 hours). RCSQ scores improved in both units (ITU: 53.5 to 56.4; HDU: 34.8 to 60.2). Fewer patients reported being disturbed by noise and monitor alarms (ITU: 33% to 25%; HDU: 80% to 30%). Conclusions Targeted environmental changes improved both compliance with sleep-promoting guidelines and patient-reported sleep quality. Ongoing education and interventions are recommended to sustain improvement and optimise sleep conditions in critical care.

Quantitative assessment of satellite proliferation impacts on Antarctic astronomy reveals that 14.5% (14.14–14.86%) of images from Kunlun station are contaminated, exceeding Hubble's design tolerance over four times and ACS/WFC baselines (10.0%) by 45% and threatening humanity’s ultimate pristine window to the universe, immediate space traffic control is needed to improve the space environment. Using Kunlun Station images (05/2008, n=11477) and Space-Track.org satellite catalogues, we annotated satellite trails using LabelImg and modeled orbital mechanics to quantify contamination risks. We estimate the errors and uncertainties via Poisson Noise. Consistent with the contamination metrics, orbital density model visually demonstrates that polar-orbiting satellites over Antarctic (70°-90°S) have an areal density four times higher than equatorial orbits due to sun-synchronous orbits. This degradation poses a unique challenge because Antarctica offers unparalleled conditions for cosmic discovery. Its stable atmosphere, minimal light pollution and the world’s lowest atmospheric interference make Antarctic is the only capable of high-precision studies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and dark matter exploration. Without immediate action, these critical observations may be impossible in the future. Urgent mitigation strategies, such as satellites orbit regulations, must be implemented to preserve this vital window into the universe.

In the twenty-first century, there is a growing gap between cultural understandings of darkness as a frightening and unknown place filled with dread and awe, and the reality of the modern world, where increased light pollution is degrading the night environment. In this article, I explore this tension between darkness as a figurative phenomenon to darkness as an experiential phenomenon. That is to say, the gap between darkness as represented in human knowledge systems against darkness as experienced in the social-material environment.

Abstract Larval development under artificial light at night (ALAN) can affect adult body mass, often in a sex‐specific way. However, it is still unclear whether ALAN also affects other morphological traits. In this experimental study, we tested for differences in flight and fecundity‐related morphology and wing melanization in the noctuid moth Agrotis exclamationis , originating from populations under contrasting skyglow levels, and whose offspring were reared under either a dynamic ALAN, continuous ALAN or control dark treatment. In response to ALAN, adult body mass and wing size were affected in a sex‐specific way, resulting in altered sexual‐size dimorphism. Wing aspect ratio was lower in populations originating from higher skyglow levels, but only in males. Under ALAN conditions, relatively more mass was allocated to the abdomen and less to the thorax. Sexual colour dimorphism was stronger in populations originating from higher skyglow levels as males from these populations had lighter coloured wings and females had darker wings compared to populations from lower skyglow levels. We provide evidence for alterations of sexual dimorphism under ALAN. Different developmental effects of ALAN on males and females are likely to contribute to the significant though complex impacts of this type of sensory pollution in a wider range of moth and other insect species.

Light pollution entails unnecessary energy use, higher emissions and greater pressure on natural resources, as well as disrupting wildlife and human health. Specific policies and model ordinances are available for local governments to implement to address light pollution. This study analysed the light pollution policies of Australian local governments, in terms of specific details and whether the pattern of results reflects more of a polycentric or multi-level approach. Thirty local governments representing all of the urban areas in Australia with a population over 100,000 had their public lighting policy documents analysed. Very few local governments had taken steps toward addressing light pollution. The wide array of local governments did lead to some experimentation with light pollution policy, which provides test cases for others to consider. To obtain widespread coverage a multi-level approach may be needed, requiring higher levels of government to have light pollution policies in future. For now, very few local governments in Australia have any light pollution policies and of those, even fewer are comprehensive.

Abstract. While most large-scale smoke advection occurs within the free troposphere, Maritime Continent smoke is suspected to be unique in its long-range, near-surface transport. Such a pathway likely creates strong gradients and uncertainties in interpreting satellite and model data on light extinction, air pollution, and cloud condensation nuclei. This paper documents High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) data from the 2019 ONR PISTON cruise and NASA CAMP2Ex flights that revealed Maritime Continent smoke and pollution transport pathways and heterogeneity around the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer (MABL) over thousands of kilometers. Observations showed that 95 % of integrated aerosol backscatter occurred below 2500 m altitude. The R/V Sally Ride observed 50th and 84th percentile aerosol backscatter altitudes at ∼600 and ∼1500 m respectively, regardless of aerosol loading. Peak backscatter values occurred within or near the MABL top, diminishing as we approached 2–3 km altitude, but with occasional plumes reaching the melting level at 4800 m. At monsoonal scales, aerosol models largely account for the observed directional wind shear that causes altitude-dependent particle transport: near-surface particles remain in the core monsoon flow around the MABL, while at lower latitudes, aerosol layers aloft advect more eastwardly. Around the MABL, however, significant cloud-scale variability exists due to fine-scale flow, halo-entrainment-detrainment, and cold pool phenomena. Backscatter enhancements beneath individual clouds, extending to the ocean surface, likely relate to MABL-free troposphere exchange and air-sea interaction. So while aerosol transport occurs near the surface, particle extinction heterogeneity must still be considered for in situ observations and satellite retrievals.

The increase in illumination levels in populated areas, including as a result of the implementation ofseveral federal projects, has raised concerns about light pollutioncaused by artificial lighting.This has ledto questions about identifying areas andcitieswhere artificial lighting levels have significantly increased, as well as evaluating the impact of this increase on the environment. Light pollution is considered one of the types of physical pollution, and within this framework, it has been analyzed in the context of the Saratov region. Based on data from the region, the absolute and relative (per street meter and per inhabitant) values of illumination from artificial lighting were analyzed over the period 2007 to 2022. Districts and cities with advanced and lagging development in terms of lighting were identified, and attempts were made to analyze the causes and factors behind the observed dynamics. The territory of Saratov was zoned to assess the current situation regarding light pollution. The analysis of the dynamics in the period 2012–2024 showed a decrease in the level of light pollution in the old districts of Saratov, but its increase in the new Gagarin district and on the outskirts. The territories of the city with a critical situation have also been identified. This study focuses on the effects of artificial lighting in the Kumysnaya Polyana Nature Park.