The night sky is something everyone should be able to see. It is humanity’s connection to something far bigger than planet Earth. However, the view of the stars is disappearing rapidly around the world due to the increase of artificial light at night, more commonly referred to as light pollution.
The new 2024 Public Lighting Asset Management Strategy released by Western Power last month has recognised that smart LED streetlights and dark sky initiatives are possibilities that will influence the profile and function of public lighting assets in the future with the need to explore these opportunities.
Carol Redford, CEO Astrotourism WA said, “It is outstanding to see Western Power which supplies streetlights to Local Government, considering how we can be smarter with light to reduce light pollution, not just for the stars but for wildlife and humanity too. This puts us on a path to become world leaders in lighting management and protect the night time environment.”
Perth light pollution and the Magellanic Clouds from Shire of Dandaragan. Light pollution impacts the view of faint objects such as the Magellanic Clouds (satellite galaxies to the Milky Way Galaxy) which can only be seen under dark sky conditions.
Light pollution is a global issue increasing by an estimated 10% every year. As our cities expand, more lights are being installed without regard to the natural environment at night. In addition to this, as new and more energy efficient LED technology is adopted, there is a tendency to over-light or install more lights than are needed.” she said.
Light pollution is the unnecessary or poor use of artificial outdoor light. Light pollution disrupts normal wildlife behaviours, affects the human sleep cycle (circadian rhythm), and hides the view of the stars.
The overwhelmingly positive side to this type of pollution, is that it’s very easy to clean up. Good lighting management ensures that only the right amount of light is used, and only where it is needed. By using good lighting practices, unnecessary lighting and upward light is eliminated. Good practices reduce over-lighting, glare, and lighting that spills out beyond its intended area of use.
Before releasing the new Public Lighting Strategy, Western Power consulted Local Governments across the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). This study was instigated to understand local governments’ strategic objectives for their public lighting; and to understand the level of support for the proposed proactive transition to LED luminaires across the SWIS which will affect approximately 280,000 streetlights. Almost 50% of all local governments in the SWIS region participated in the consultation.
The consultation found that, “Minimising the impact of lighting on wildlife, or the ability to support dark sky initiatives such as Astro Tourism, was identified as a strategic consideration for several local governments…14 participants in total.”
The report also noted that local governments were generally supportive of shielded and warmer coloured LED streetlights as they are more suitable for dark sky applications and more wildlife friendly. Some also noted the benefits that smart lighting would also provide, such as the ability to dim lights during certain times.
Warm-coloured light which gives a yellow glow helps protect wildlife and the view of the night sky. The image above shows the difference between cool/blue-coloured light and warm-coloured light on the main foreshore street in Denham, Shark Bay.
The Western Power Strategy has also considered the WA Planning Commission’s Dark Sky and Astrotourism Position Statement. The Dark Sky and Astrotourism Position Statement, released in 2022, provides a set of lighting principles and flexible cost-neutral land use planning measures to reduce light pollution.
WA’s night sky is a world-class natural asset and offers exceptional viewing opportunities for scientific and recreational astro-tourists.
The new Strategy from Western Power and the Dark Sky and Astrotourism Position Statement recognise the importance of protecting this asset and will ensure the State’s night sky is preserved and its tourism potential unlocked.
Carol Redford said, “By recognising the importance of lighting management, WA is set to become a world leader in the protection of the night-time environment and a mecca for stargazers from around the world. West Australian children will grow up with access to a truly spectacular night sky and that’s something that millions of children in other countries just don’t have anymore.”
Can you see the Milky Way from where you live?
The Australasian Dark Sky Alliance is conducting a Dark Sky Campaign for National Science Week.