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The impact of light pollution on astronomical observations and protective measures
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Jing MA1, Chen YANG1, Kun WANG1, Licai DENG1, 2, *
Science & Technology Review | 2026, 44(17) : 56 - 64
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Science & Technology Review | 2026, 44(17): 56-64
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The impact of light pollution on astronomical observations and protective measures
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Jing MA1, Chen YANG1, Kun WANG1, Licai DENG1, 2, *
Affiliations
  • 1School of Physics and Astronomy, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
  • 2National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Published: 2026-09-13 doi: 10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2025.10.00029
Outline
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In recent years, economic development has driven rapid progress in urban and rural construction, alongside a growing public demand for stargazing activities, which have also become an important way to cultivate the spirit of exploration in young people. Due to the absence of national standards such as the Specification for Limiting Interference Light from Outdoor Lighting, the construction industry has used outdoor lighting in industrial, civil, and cultural landscape projects with considerable flexibility. This has led to the rapid expansion of light pollution caused by excessive artificial lighting at an annual rate of 7% to 10%. Light pollution not only exerts widespread effects on natural ecosystems but also poses a serious threat to scientific research that depends on dark skies—particularly astronomical observation—while diminishing the public stargazing experience. Monitoring in urban areas relies on costly fixed−point observation, whereas astronomical observatories have established continuous monitoring systems. This paper takes China's Xinglong, Lijiang, and Lenghu observatories as case studies to analyze the impact of light pollution on the efficiency and effectiveness of astronomical observation and compares their distinct approaches to light pollution control. The findings reveal that light pollution significantly reduces observatory performance and impairs the detection efficiency of deep−sky objects. The three sites have adopted different control strategies: Xinglong Observatory employs a mitigation model through light shielding and source optimization, Lijiang Observatory has developed a coordination model integrating with tourism development, and Lenghu Observatory has implemented a rigid governance model based on local legislation. By synthesizing these practical pathways, this study offers valuable experience and policy references for the protection of dark night skies amidst global urbanization.

light pollution  /  dark−sky protection  /  astronomical observation  /  ecological civilization
马静, 杨晨, 王坤, 邓李才. 光污染对天文观测的影响与保护措施. 科技导报, 2026 , 44 (17) : 56 -64 . DOI: 10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2025.10.00029
Jing MA, Chen YANG, Kun WANG, Licai DENG. The impact of light pollution on astronomical observations and protective measures[J]. Science & Technology Review, 2026 , 44 (17) : 56 -64 . DOI: 10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2025.10.00029
Year 2026 volume 44 Issue 17
213
92
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Article Info
doi: 10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2025.10.00029
  • Receive Date:2025-10-10
  • Online Date:2026-10-14
  • Published:2026-09-13
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  • Received:2025-10-10
  • Revised:2026-06-06
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Affiliations
    1School of Physics and Astronomy, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
    2National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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表12种不同金属材料的力学参数
科
Family
属数
Number of
genus
种数
Number of
species
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Percentage of
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属
Genus
种数
Number of
species
占总种数比例
Percentage of total
species (%)
鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae 2 11 5.26 鹅膏菌属 Amanita 10 4.78
小菇科 Mycenaceae 2 12 5.74 丝盖伞属 Inocybe 5 2.39
多孔菌科 Polyporaceae 8 14 6.70 蜡蘑属 Laccaria 5 2.39
红菇科 Russulaceae 3 23 11.00 小皮伞属 Marasmius 6 2.87
小菇属 Mycena 11 5.26
光柄菇属 Pluteus 5 2.39
红菇属 Russula 17 8.13
栓菌属 Trametes 5 2.39
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