The glow from new streetlights is ruining my astro shots

I used to drive out to the countryside for clear skies. Now, even there, these bright LED streetlights are everywhere. My last photo of Orion had this ugly orange haze. It's frustrating because you can't escape light pollution anymore. I think cities need to use darker, warmer lights. Otherwise, we'll lose the night sky for good. I've brought it up with local officials, but they don't get it. Am I the only one battling this?

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3 Comments

oscar_wood7mo ago

That "lose the night sky" line was in a recent article I read.

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sandraa827mo ago

Those articles pop up every few months. My local library still has the flyer from the last "save our stars" panic.

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susan_mason7mo ago

Ugh, tell me about it. I drove two hours out last month only to find my Milky Way shots washed out by this new parking lot light. What helped me was using a light pollution filter on my lens, it cuts that orange glow a bit. Also, try shooting right before dawn when some places turn off streetlights. I got a decent shot of Orion that way, though it meant waking up at 3 AM. Sometimes complaining to the town council with photos as proof can work, but yeah, it's a slow fight.

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