Night skies to lose stars in 20 years due to light pollution.
The increased use of light-emitting diodes (LED) and other forms of lighting are now brightening the night sky at a dramatic rate, scientists have found. In 2016, astronomers reported that the Milky Way was no longer visible to a third of humanity and light pollution has worsened considerably since then. At its current rate most of the major constellations will be indecipherable in 20 years, it is estimated. Light pollution is having serious ecological consequences, including confusing sea turtles and migrating birds, and killing insects. It is also having health implications, as the bluish emissions of LEDs are almost entirely lacking any red or near infrared light, which stimulates mechanisms that break down high levels of sugar in the blood or boost melatonin production.