Dark Sky Research

[Howard Lawrence]

Astronomers may be interested in the 2025 State of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) Research Report by Dr John Barentine and colleagues. https://darksky.org/news/state-of-the-science-2025/
John gave a presentation on this report at the Dark Sky International (DSI) advocate action meeting last week, which is now available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU_RcbdriSE
This valuable report has become a major resource for dark sky campaigners globally, and the latest edition includes some notable developments. It’s written in plain English, so please take a look.

[Howard Lawrence]

The state of ALAN science report has always been science-driven, reflecting the BAA’s traditions. John Barentine and DSI colleagues have maintained a database of scientific publications that now numbers around 7,000 – that’s incredible! It seems that professional-quality research in this field is increasing exponentially, which is why it’s so challenging to keep track. Approximately 30% of publications are related to ALAN impacts on nature, which should certainly generate public interest. However, recent work on impacts on human health from low-level overnight stray ALAN is also important. I’m glad I have blackout blinds! The fairly neutral stance CfDS took on the human health impacts (between 2014 and 2019) should now be revisited. In my opinion, the 2025 report is worth special attention, and the authors deserve thanks and appreciation.
I should also mention that there are some exceptional amateurs working on ALAN-related research – it’s not all academic stuff.

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