Star Parties Help Amateur Astronomers Observe Light-Polluted Skies; What Exactly Are These Events?

Every spring and summer, numerous amateur astronomers flock to northern Pennsylvania with a common goal: searching for stars.

What Are Star Parties?

This is what star parties are all about. According to NPR, star parties are hosted by local astronomy groups and park officials every June and September. The Sky and Telescope add that such events have become permanent in the scene of amateur astronomy all over the globe.

Like pilgrims' sojourn towards a particular area, several amateur astronomers embark on thousand-mile journeys to join star parties. Initially, several astronomy clubs initiated regional or local stargazing times. However, some of these efforts have gained popularity and attracted large crowds nationwide and beyond.

NPR adds that Cherry Springs State Park is one of the few sites in the eastern US that boasts truly dark skies. The third and final night of this year's June event will deliver clear skies.

Molly Wakeling, who joins this trend growing among amateurs in astronomy, bets that the night will be dark enough to snap LDN 1262, a nebula belonging to the Cepheus constellation. She hopes to take a photograph of the nebula.

Former president Eric Roth of the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, which yearly hosts star parties, notes that there have been 550 registrants this year, while 400 are on the waitlist.

Light Pollution

Less than a century ago, everyone could observe an extraordinarily star-filled sky. However, at present, millions of children all over the world will never get to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way galaxy. This is due to the increased use of artificial light at night, which has fostered a different kind of pollution: light pollution.

According to Dark Sky, light pollution refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light. Components of light pollution include light trespass, glare, skyglow, and clutter.

A huge chunk of the world's population dwells under light-polluted skies. According to the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness of 2016, 80% of the world's population lives beneath the skyglow. Across Europe and the US, 99% of the public is unable to experience natural evenings.

Data from the World Atlas was used to develop an interactive map that allows people to see the extent of light pollution in a particular area. The Globe at Night interactive light pollution map is based on eight years of data citizen scientists collected.

While light pollution leads to serious impacts, such as ecosystem and wildlife disruptions and higher energy consumption, the good thing is that it can be reversed. Simple efforts, such as only using light when necessary, could go a long way.

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