Passage 1: The Growing Problem of Light Pollution
The night sky, once a source of wonder and inspiration for countless generations, is increasingly hidden behind a veil of artificial light. Light pollution, defined as excessive or inappropriate artificial light at night, has become a significant environmental concern in recent decades. This phenomenon not only affects our view of the stars but also has profound implications for astronomical research and our understanding of the universe.
The primary source of light pollution is poorly designed or excessive outdoor lighting in urban areas. Street lamps, commercial signage, and residential exterior lighting often emit light upward and sideways, creating a dome of scattered light above cities known as “skyglow.” This artificial brightness drowns out the faint light from stars and other celestial objects, making them difficult or impossible to observe from ground-based telescopes.
Urban light pollution affecting night sky visibility
Professional astronomers have been forced to relocate their observatories to increasingly remote locations to escape the effects of light pollution. Even these sites are not immune, as the glow from distant cities can travel hundreds of kilometers. The International Dark-Sky Association estimates that approximately one-third of humanity can no longer see the Milky Way from their homes.
Questions 1-5: True/False/Not Given
- Light pollution is caused solely by artificial outdoor lighting.
- Skyglow affects the visibility of celestial objects.
- Most observatories are now located in remote areas.
- Light pollution affects only major cities.
- The Milky Way is visible to two-thirds of the world’s population.
Questions 6-8: Multiple Choice
-
What is the main cause of light pollution in urban areas?
A) Street lamps
B) Commercial signage
C) Poorly designed outdoor lighting
D) Residential lighting -
How does light pollution affect astronomical research?
A) It makes observations impossible
B) It requires relocation of observatories
C) It increases research costs
D) It damages telescope equipment -
The term “skyglow” refers to:
A) Natural starlight
B) A scattered light dome above cities
C) Aurora borealis
D) Moonlight reflection
(Passages 2 and 3 to follow with their respective questions and complete answer key)
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