Where Are the Stars? See How Light Pollution Affects Night Skies

Of the many ways Earth is polluted, light pollution may be the least talked about. It's not an illusion; astronomers measure it from one to nine on the Bortle scale, and earlier this year, one study suggested that light pollution may be causing spring to come earlier.


This short film, shot mainly in California by Sriram Murali, goes through all the levels of the scale, showing how the view of the cosmos gets better in less light-polluted areas.

Sharing this for the @rei Weekend Project - Behind the Lens. Me at action during a timelapse shoot in the remote Eureka Dunes in Death Valley, shot with a third tripod/camera. My wife and I were the only people camping there with no one in sight for miles. Such an ethereal experience under the stars. #Optoutside #milkyway #space #deathvalleynationalpark #photographer #camping #jeep #timelapse #cnnireport #nightscaper #stars #california #travel #remote #longexposure #4x4 #canon #usinterior #natgeoadventure #TeamCanon #CanonBringIt #camp4pix #natgeoinspires

Una foto publicada por Sriram Murali (@sriram_murali) el 16 de Oct de 2016 a la(s) 10:27 PDT

The night skies remind us of our place in the Universe. Imagine if we lived under skies full of stars. That reminder we are a tiny part of this cosmos, the awe and a special connection with this remarkable world would make us much better beings - more thoughtful, inquisitive, empathetic, kind and caring.

Imagine kids growing up passionate about astronomy looking for answers and how advanced humankind would be, how connected and caring we’d feel with one another, how noble and adventurous we’d be. How compassionate with fellow species on Earth and how one with Nature we’d feel. Imagine a world where happiness of the soul is more beautiful. Ah, I feel so close to inner peace. I can only wonder how my and millions of other lives would have changed. - said Sriman on Vimeo-