Light pollution decreased in LA county thanks to Kathryn Barger

Rod L. Kaufman, the chair of the light pollution committee for the Los Angeles Astronomical Association, recently awarded a plaque of appreciation to county Supervisor Kathryn Barger at the Mount Wilson Observatory. This recognition was for her contributions to reducing light pollution in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Light pollution decreased, and Kathryn Barger recognized for helping win the light pollution battle in Santa Clarita Valley

Supervisor Barger's efforts impact a vast area of Los Angeles County, including the skies above the Santa Clarita Valley and Mount Wilson. The Santa Clarita Valley serves as a gateway to the dark skies of the nearby Los Padres National Forest, a region crucial for both astronomy and wildlife that relies on natural nighttime conditions for survival.

Kaufman, a longtime resident of the Santa Clarita Valley with interests in space exploration through the study and observation of galaxy groupings, presented the award to Barger earlier this month at the observatory.

In her commitment to preserving dark skies for future generations, Barger has spearheaded the county's initiatives to educate the public. In 2023, over 10,000 residences and businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley received educational pamphlets titled “Eyes on the Skies,” informing them about light pollution.

LA county upgrades 60,000 street lights to reduce light pollution and improve health

Furthermore, 60,000 street lights in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are being upgraded to energy-efficient, nighttime-friendly LED units. These changes aim to maintain the visibility of the Milky Way and other celestial objects that are increasingly obscured by light pollution.

Light pollution at night also contributes to health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and breast cancer due to hormonal imbalances caused by artificial light at night.

Residents of the Santa Clarita Valley are encouraged to support Barger's efforts by taking simple steps to reduce light pollution:

• Use shielded and subdued lighting at night, directed downward.
• Install motion detector lighting aimed downward, set on a quick on-off cycle for efficiency and security.
• Avoid bright, unshielded lights that can impair nighttime visibility by creating glare and reducing the amount of light entering the eye.

Urban Light: Preserving Dark Skies in LA County

https://lacounty.gov/2024/01/04/urban-light-preserving-dark-skies-in-la-county/