Last week, people across Canada and the northern United States were treated to a spectacular light show as the Aurora Borealis danced across the night sky. Stronger than usual solar storms even made the radiant lights appear further south than usual, spurring reports of sightings as far south as New Mexico.
The spectacle was particularly beautiful here in the State of Maine, thanks to several resources working to preserve Maine’s Dark Skies.
Light Pollution: A Disappointing Reality
However, the celestial phenomenon was invisible to most of the global population; even to those living in areas within viewing range of the aurora. That’s thanks mostly to light pollution – alteration of the night sky stemming from man-made light sources.
According to a 2016 study in the journal Science Advances, 80% of the world’s population live in light polluted areas which inhibit their view of the night sky. It goes on to note that 99% of those living in the United States and Europe experience the “skyglow” associated with light pollution.
How is Maine Different?
A huge portion of the state remains the first and only refuge from glowing skies in the US east of the Mississippi and is home to over 187,000 acres of land designated as “International Dark Sky Places.” The state’s large tracts of rural, uninhabited forestland act as the perfect setting for such a designation.
Two main swaths of Maine land have been deemed dark enough to qualify for this designation as dark sky places: The Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative Lands east of Greenville, and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument east of Baxter State Park.
Both areas have been approved by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) – the globally recognized leading organization against light pollution, issuing strict guidelines which mandate what types of lighting can be used within these areas and how much stray light shines upward into the sky. These areas draw plenty of astrotourism, with people around the world traveling here to witness the unadulterated night sky. However, it also means those of us living in the Pine Tree State can reap the benefits of darkened skies year-round.
The Unspoken Dangers of Light Pollution
It’s not only inconvenient but is also reported to have detrimental effects on the health of both humans and wildlife. Light pollution has been blamed for the death of millions of birds across the country and has been found to interfere with the survival of hatchling sea turtles.
It has also been linked to altered mating patterns of native amphibians, reducing their population. This in turn sees the population of pest insects increase, and with it the chances of insect-borne diseases. Increased risks of cancer, abnormal development in adolescents, and more dangerous road conditions are all cited as possible dangers linked to light pollution. It’s also estimated that up to $3.3 billion is spent annually on unnecessary lighting, according to the IDSA.
Maine’s Dark Skies as an Example for the Future
The Great State of Maine offers itself as a (not-so) shining beacon to stargazers. As awareness and interest grows around the issue of light pollution, more steps are being taken to help mitigate it, but until then our beautiful state remains the perfect place to turn your head to the skies.
Don’t believe us? Check out this map to see how your community is affected by light pollution, and compare it to the dark skies of Maine!
Your Own Patch of Land under Maine’s Dark Skies
Do you remember what the night sky looks like? Have your kids ever seen the Milky Way? If not, give us a call: We’d be happy to help you find your own patch of ground beneath the dark skies of Maine.
Also, make sure to check out our available properties here to find your dream property, and come witness the darkest skies in the east!