Is the Milky Way in danger of fading because of our lights? Unfortunately, this is what many astronomers think, who recently warned that stars could soon disappear from our field of view. A scenario quite possible according to them because of the light pollution linked to the exponential use of LED lighting in cities, reports The Guardian.

According to these researchers, who conducted a study about sky lightening, this problem is not new. In 2016, scientists already estimated that a third of humanity could no longer see the stars because of the electrification of our cities, the multiplication of public lighting but also the launch of many satellites, too bright, like those of Elon Musk.

Towards the creation of a "ministry of Dark Heaven"?

"The night sky is part of our environment and it would be a major deprivation for future generations not to be able to observe it," said Martin Rees, a British astronomer who believes the problem should be taken seriously by governments. He and his confreres are calling for the creation of a "ministry of dark heaven" and the implementation of new measures such as pointing the lights down or limiting their power.



According to scientist Christopher Kyba of the German Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, the sky is clearing at a rate of 10% per year. The stars could disappear from our field of vision within twenty years, preventing future generations from enjoying the starry night. The researchers point out that the overconsumption of LED lighting is also one of the causes of the epidemics of diabetes and obesity in the world. This also impacts animals, which encounter difficulties in orienting themselves during their migration.

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