Virtual Activity: Light Pollution and Art Reflection

Milky Way as seen from Sand Beach

NPS Photo/Sardius Stalker

Introduction

The night sky has connected us to our past and our ancestors for over 30,000 years. As we look up at the night sky in Acadia now, what we see is like what Indigenous Peoples of this region, known as the Wabanaki, first saw 10,000 years ago. It is valuable to consider how the past, present, and future of the night sky compares. Through looking up at the night sky with wonder, people have made incredible discoveries and inventions. We have learned that our Earth is about 4.5 billion years old, built rocket ships to land the first human beings on the Moon, and sent satellites deep into space to take pictures of the vast unknown.

Activity 1: Journal Prompt

Think about the following questions and write down your answers.

1. Why do you think it is important to look up at the night sky?

2. What questions do you hope we learn next?

Past and Present

Now let’s think about those night skies and all their beautiful darkness. Take the next minute to close your eyes and think about what it must have been like to look up at the night sky from Sand Beach 10,000 years ago. What colors would you notice? Could you see the same constellations and shapes? How clear was the sky?

Look up to the night sky now, either in Acadia or at home. How do you think the sky is similar to the sky of the past? How is the sky different?

Activity 2: Similarities and Differences

Think about the past and present skies. List what you think would be the same and different.

Light pollution brightens the sky over a town near Acadia

NPS Photo/Josh Cosgrove

Light Pollution

The night sky is vast and beautiful, but it may be hard to see. Sometimes, it can seem bright or hazy with no visible stars.

One reason for this is light pollution. This is when the sky brightens from human-made lights. Light pollution makes it so bright you cannot see the stars in the sky. It uses up a lot of unnecessary energy plus it can harm animals, including people.

At Acadia, this light pollution can harm our frogs. We have five species of frogs and they croak at night in order to attract mates. But when they are under bright artificial lights, they croak less. This limits their chances of finding a partner to produce offspring with. When exposed to excessive light frogs do not grow to their full size and can even become discolored. Frogs that have access to dark environments are more likely to grow to be healthy.

Humans are also impacted by light pollution through disruption of our sleep cycles. Too much exposure to light makes it hard for us to sleep. Without a good night’s rest, it can make it more difficult to grow into healthy adults.

But light pollution has a simple solution: just turn your lights off! If we work together to cut back on excess lights, we can help preserve the night sky!

Activity 3: Brainstorming

Start with small steps. Read the list and think of other ways you can help preserve the night sky at home and school.

1. Choose lights that face downward, have protective hoods, or turn off with a sensor.

2. Position or aim lights in an effective way instead of making them brighter.

3. Teach your neighbors and friends about the stars.

4. Host a star party where everyone turns off their lights for an hour to stargaze!

Future of Night Skies

Consider what the night sky will look like in 100 years. Is it brighter or duller? More colorful or less colorful? Can you see stars?

Activity 4: Create and Reflect

Draw/ write/ paint how you see the night sky in Acadia or at your home. If you are feeling inspired, create something off paper. Use your body to dance or a camera to photograph the night sky as you see it. What colors do you notice? How many stars can you see? Where is the moon?

Now think about the future night sky. On the same or another piece of paper, express how you think it will look. Is light pollution affecting what you see? Can you see the Milky Way?

Need inspiration? See the painting examples below.

Acrylic paintings of the Milky Way arching across a purple and blue sky above Sand Beach

NPS Image/Mariah Reading

Acrylic painting of an orange hazy light inhibiting views of the stars over Sand Beach

NPS Image/Mariah Reading

For thousands of years, humans have gazed up at the night sky and wondered what the stars were made of. Scientists now say, “we are star dust.”

Protecting the darkness which allows us to see the night sky is a way to honor our ancestors. It is a way of staying connected to where we came from. Learning and teaching others about light pollution is important. The dark night sky is a key that opens the door to the great mysteries of the universe, and the great mystery of life itself.

More Activities

Interested in learning more about astronomy and night skies? Complete this activity book and become a Junior Ranger Night Explorer!

Planning a visit with kids? Check out our family-friendly programs and Junior Ranger Program.