Séminaire IPAG

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How artificial light at night affects our skies, health, and wildlife : first observations in the Grenoble urban area

jeudi 3 octobre 2024 - 11h00

Julien Milli & Fabien Malbet - IPAG
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Artificial light at night (ALAN) poses significant challenges in many areas. In astronomy, of course, light pollution and skyglow severely impair celestial observations, hamper professional research, and reduce public engagement with the night sky. But it goes far beyond astronomy, affecting human health by disrupting circadian rhythms and contributing to sleep disorders and chronic diseases, and impacting ecosystems by disrupting wildlife behavior, plant growth, and overall biodiversity. In addition, widespread artificial lighting contributes to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and is a cultural loss as urban areas increasingly lose clear views of the stars. These combined effects emphasize the urgent need for sustainable lighting solutions and policies that balance human needs with environmental and astronomical considerations. In Grenoble, we have used the FRIPON camera, installed on the roof of the OSUG-D building since 2016, to assess the evolution of light pollution from 2016 to date. We will present how this research has been conducted and is also discussed with the local authorities with the involvement of colleagues in ecology or geography in this interdisciplinary topic.

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Salle Manuel Forestini, 414 rue de la piscine, 38400 Saint Martin d'Hères