The Free Press reports that Detroit is #2 in light pollution nationwide, according to SavvySleeper.org (see previous post). The Freep article discusses holiday lighting, the new Ann Arbor lighting ordinance, and Detroit light pollution.
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Light pollution and sleep
SavvySleeper.org finds that Detroit ranks #2 in light pollution in the US. They also find that residents in more light-polluted cities sleep for fewer hours at night. The American Medical Association has linked this to a variety serious health problems.
How LED billboard companies operate
Baltimore Brew reveals how LED billboard advertising was maneuvered into place in Baltimore and Chicago, for a pittance in revenue. Similar dynamics have been at play in Detroit.
Pittsburgh passes lighting ordinance
Pittsburgh passed a comprehensive lighting ordinance, as reported by NPR.
Ann Arbor Lighting Ordinance Adopted!
The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted our group’s lighting ordinance on Sept 7, 2021! It will apply to all new construction and major renovations on private property. It specifies requirements for shielding, light trespass limits, brightness limits for certain applications, curfews for businesses, and limits on blue spectrum lighting, among other things. Many thanks to all who helped make this possible. MLive article.
Ann Arbor Lighting Ordinance at City Council
The Ann Arbor Lighting Ordinance will be presented to the City Council on August 2, 2021. There will be a public hearing on August 16. Public comment is welcome. The Council is expected to vote on whether to approve at the August 16 meeting.
July is Dark Sky Awareness Month in Michigan!
The Michigan State Senate passed SR-69 declaring July 2021 Dark Sky Awareness Month! Kudos to Senators Kim LaSata (R-Cass County) and Rosemary Bayer (D – Oakland County). Please let them know you approve 🙂
Philly dims skyline to save birds
CNN reports that nearly twenty buildings in Philadelphia are dimming their lights this spring after thousands of birds perished in the city’s largest mass collision in recent history. Michigan Audubon has a similar Safe Passage Great Lakes program.
SpaceX constellations to orbit at lower altitude
In response to concerns from astronomers, the FCC has approved a request from SpaceX to lower the altitude of its planned satellite constellations, despite vigorous opposition from competitors. This will reduce the brightness and visibility of the satellites from ground-based observatories. (See Sec III.E.4, p. 47)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to apply for Dark Sky Park status
MLive reports that Keweenaw Mountain Lodge on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is working toward approval for Dark Sky Park status from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). They would be the third IDA Dark Sky Park after Headlands and T. K. Lawless.