PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Towns across the state are trying to make the nights just a little bit darker.
In an effort to bring the stars back to the night, communities are battling so-called “light pollution” – the glare of artificial lights that make it difficult to see the night sky.
Light pollution is typically greater in urban areas, where street lights and other sources reflect in the atmosphere, causing stars, planets and other celestial bodies to grow dim or disappear from sight.
One strategy is encouraging the use of “sky-friendly” light fixtures designed to shine light down, rather than reflect up into the sky.
Light pollution does more than frustrate stargazers. Researchers say it raises safety concerns and upsets animal behavior and even human health.
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AP-ES-12-16-07 1431EST
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