David Voigts.

It is no secret that if you live in a city or town, you see fewer stars. The reason for this is that light escapes from where it is needed and forms a dome of light overhead. Although not obvious, this waste light brightens the night sky far into the country. Only a few places are far enough away from cities to be truly dark.

Waste light does more than reduce the number of stars that we see, it has far-reaching effects. For example, most birds migrate at night, and they are increasingly being affected by light. They have been known to circle a bright light source until they drop from exhaustion. Others are attracted to lights and crash into windows or other light sources.

Insects are also affected. One study found that there was a 60% decline in nighttime pollinator visits to flowers and crops. The brightening night can even affect humans by disturbing our circadian rhythms, which can cause sleep disorders, obesity, depression, and more.

While governments are encouraged to take measures to reduce light pollution, we can take action in our homes. Even drawing the curtains at night to keep our light indoors will help.

David Voigts is a retired ecologist and the current Conservation Chair for the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society. He is a Tama County native, graduating from Dinsdale High School, and lives in rural Jesup on his wife’s family farm.